What is the next normal for offices?
After the coronavirus outbreak, a lot has changed. The mega work transition forced millions of employees to work from their homes. The employers, on the other hand, were not in the favor of such a change but the pandemic had new work standards in mind, and they had to accept it. However now as we are in a time where COVID fears are limited and many companies want to resume pre-pandemic working standards, there is still a different scenario waiting for us.
Employees that have tasted the comfort of working from home are no longer letting the remote working standard slip away. In the most recent report from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, a high number of Americans are quitting their jobs in response to strict in-office regulations. Not only this, but a survey by McKinsey shows that there is no evidence of employees returning to their previous job. More than 4 in 10 employees that have left their jobs are either switching to a different industry or trying to set up their own business.
Here are some ways that companies should consider creating a working standard that works for the employees and the company.
Flexibility is here to stay, accept it
In times like these, there is no one answer to what the next working standard should be. However, some principles will apply widely. First things first, letting your employees work from home is no longer a luxury. Instead, employers need to make some efforts to facilitate the remote workers. Employees that are still finding Internet Providers For My Area or even the one those with better service from big names like Spectrum or Cox with Cox Cable Packages needs other remote work equipment as well.
Dwelling further into the statement that flexibility is here to stay here is another report. In a 2021 survey, almost 30 percent of participants said that they might consider quitting their jobs if their companies return to full-time on-site work. More than half of the employees that have left their jobs amid the Great Resignation say that they had done it to maintain a good work-life balance.
Make the office a place where people want to come
If your company wants to attract people to come back regularly then you have to create a place that delivers the same kind of energy.
Making an office a better place is not about providing foosball tables or organic snacks. Instead, it is about creating employees’ experiences more authentic and purposeful. You have to make an effort to have more positive employees experiences with high energy levels, and lesser negative energies. As per a report, employees with a positive experience are 16 times more engaged in offices than those with negative experiences.
The way your office is designed is also one circular factor. Traditional offices are usually full of heads-down workspaces like cubicles and desks. This time companies should try new technologies, and designs such as moveable walls and other facilities that encourage collaboration.
Collaboration drive coordination
Flexibility does not mean a free for all kind of situation. Encouraging flexibility is a great way to provide collaboration opportunities. Leaders who check in with employees regularly and promote community building arrangements and training suffer less in the newly created work environment.
Bottom line
Negotiating the return to the office with your employees is not an easy matter. However, the most important thing to remember is that flexible working is not a threat to the company. The company needs to work on the way its office look and the equipment it offers before asking the employees to rejoin.