What Will a Return to the Workplace Really Look Like?
As we enter the fall, it seems that September is the set point for back to the office for many organizations. The return to work is filled with a lot of mixed emotions, and even more questions. When we think about returning to the office, we’re wondering what that will look like, and considering what we want from the workplace experience.
The pandemic forced organizations to make some very quick and drastic changes, but many of those changes had a positive impact on employees that they’re not looking to give up. Organizations have to take a hard look at their policies and listen to their employees if they don’t want to have a wave of turnover as people demand a new way of working. Many roles that were once considered impossible to do from home have now been proven to succeed with more flexibility, and those who have experienced this flexibility aren’t eager to go back to a traditional work arrangement.
On the other hand, there must be a balance for those employees who are eager for a return to the office and who appreciate the more traditional boundaries that come from a separate work environment. It’s a confusing time for everyone, and it’s clear that there is no one-size-fits-all policy that will satisfy all these demands. So, what are we to do? Should organizations be decisive and set a firm return to work policy? Should work from home become permanent? Or is a hybrid approach the way to go?
One thing we know for certain is that clear communication is key to helping employees feel less stressed about all of these uncertainties. It’s important to communicate, even if you’ll telling people that you don’t know yet exactly what their new arrangements might be. I’ve heard from many people that they’ve received mixed messages from their employer, or have been assured of certain arrangements only to have the organization change their policy, and this has led to enormous frustration for these individuals. Broken promises and unclear policies are forcing many to look for new opportunities with organizations that are more aligned with their needs.
We’ve observed that the most successful policies are ones that take into account the needs, concerns, and feedback of the employees, and that clearly communicate the rationale behind the decisions. Although many organizations are favouring the highly popular hybrid policy, those who cannot implement this broadly are deliberate in their communications about why this policy isn’t available while highlighting the benefits of the in-office experience.
Although there are no clear-cut answers yet to the questions about a return to the office, everyone must take the time to consider what’s truly important to them about their workplace experience and to communicate this to their organization. We can’t un-ring the bell, and we must acknowledge that the new future of work is here.
For a deeper look at the new future of work, click here for the description of Jennifer’s keynote on the topic, and contact us to book this talk for your team.