There seems to be a lot of chatter about the future of the workplace. What does the latest research show and what is the mood of today’s employees?
Several studies show that more than half of workers prefer to work remotely rather than return to the office post-Covid. In fact, 64% would rather resign than go back to the office permanently.
It seems like quite a paradox ‘work freedom during Covid’, but in fact, most employees feel a sense of liberation. On the one hand, we were trapped at home and in isolation but on the other hand, work just became a lot more comfortable for most people. Post-Covid, our work lives have changed and so have our attitudes.
Our biorhythms can relax somewhat. We have more control over our timetable. Night owls can be night owls. We can binge-watch our favourite TV series or work till 3 am. As morning people, we can still enjoy our yoga routine at 5 am and then prepare our smoothie without the thought of the impending commute at 7 am. If the work is done, it can be completed at midnight if preferred.
After all, we are all different and all these colourful differences which were frowned upon at the office could now be released and enjoyed without guilt. The parameters in the work scene have become a lot more flexible. As employees, we have reclaimed our humanness. Many jokes are made about zoom meetings accomplished in a formal, office shirt and pyjama pants. We can drink our own coffee, eat when we are hungry and work with a cat on our lap. It is not surprising that most employees prefer to work remotely, either at home or at a coffee shop or allocated workspace.
This said, there are still people who prefer going to the office. These are workers who may be able to focus better in the office atmosphere. They may have too much noise and action in their homes, mess, and domestic demands. Those people may feel relieved to get away from home and are drawn to the orderliness and structure of the office. Some people may enjoy the social interaction of the office or may crave a sense of status that the office environment reflects for them. These are people who prefer to separate their work and home lives. This dichotomy allows for two personalities, the more formal, professional working person and then the loving and nurturing family member.
When we consider all these factors, what does it mean for the employer? How can the employer navigate these complexities and ensure that the work quality is maintained and even maximized?
Navigating the Modern Worker’s New Reality
Companies like ALCM Technologies have created the most effective software tools used to assist employers with creating the most conducive environment for their employees.
They conduct surveys and have the best methods to access the ins and out of the human resource playing field.
When tackling the question of workspace these innovative tools can measure performance, suggest ideal work hubs, offer data analysis, and even provide design and planning.
When employers encourage remote work, they are saving on real estate costs and promoting a greener energy flow as commuting is greatly reduced. The rise in petrol price has greatly impacted the traditional commute. In some instances, workers are finding it too expensive to travel to the office. Working from home actually saves them money. Of course, remote work only applies to employees and freelancers working with remote technology.
The conclusion we draw from research and surveys is that flexible work conditions are the only way to proceed for most companies.
If employers want to avoid losing their most talented staff, they need to be able to adapt to current trends and offer more fluid work incentives.
Types of Work Incentives
- Remote Work
Remote work is by definition work that can be done from anywhere in the world. As long as there is the necessary technology, it can be in the middle of the desert or on an isolated island. This is a magnificent opportunity for online workers as it means they can work for a foreign company and earn foreign currency. It also means the employers of local companies are challenged to offer new incentives to keep their talent working for them. It may mean offering a shorter work week, more paid leave, or benefits for their families.
Digital nomads are becoming even more popular as they are positively reflected on social media as the workers ‘who have everything and can show off their fulfilling life with evocative images of exotic travel, plenty of freedom and time to enjoy life to the fullest. Freedom has become the latest aspiration rather than the old generations’ accumulation and consumerism.
- Telecommuting
Telecommuting is when the worker is working mostly outside of the office. It could be a coffee shop, work hub, public space, or shared space, but it is still in the same area or region of the office. They may still gather at the office for special meetings or gatherings once a week for example. This arrangement can be very effective for the company if they have the right technology in place. Most employees appreciate this flexibility and feel more motivated and dedicated to their company.
- Hybrid Work
The most fluid of all the work arrangements, hybrid work is a dynamic fusion of all the work possibilities together. Some employees work at home, some at the office and some in a public workspace. The workers have the freedom to decide which arrangement they would be most productive and comfortable with. Different home life situations mean each worker will have a unique set of circumstances and when this is considered, they will feel that their company has their interests at heart. In turn, the worker will be happy to give his best and will think twice about moving to another company.
- Job Sharing
Job sharing is an interesting new trend that can be effective, especially for people with many outside commitments. One job is shared by two people each working part-time. The task is completed as though done by one full-time employee. The employer can enjoy the advantage of having one person always available, even when another is on leave. In these instances, it is vital to have smooth communication and for each employee’s role to be very clearly documented. In these scenarios, the right software can be extremely helpful.
- Flexitime
Here is the perfect solution for people with different biorhythms. This system allows for the worker to choose when he wants to work. In other words, the worker can decide when these hours will be within the constraints of an agreed number of hours per day. He can work daylight hours or night hours, whatever he prefers. This can be very helpful when a person is needed by his family, and he can work around his domestic commitments. Especially today, with so many mums at work with kids at home, this method frees her up and instantly makes her schedule a lot more manageable. This is surely a smart way for an employer to hold onto his talent.
Conclusions
The entire structure of the workplace has undergone significant changes, especially since the pandemic. Interestingly enough, most of these changes have been positive ones and have ‘forced’ us into a healthier work/life balance.
Now that many workers have experienced the freedom of work flexibility it would be very hard to return to rigid systems back at the office.
Another unexpected result of the new arrangements has been more positive attitudes towards employers and their companies. Workers tend to offer more loyalty and dedication to their workplace when they feel their personal lives are taken into consideration. On top of this, the actual work is of better quality and a higher standard when employees are happy with their conditions in the workplace. Flexibility in the workplace has shown undeniable improvement for both employers and employees.
Companies that have welcomed flexibility are reaping the benefits and are at an advantage. Here are some successful scenarios to inspire you.
Just remember that the challenges of flexibility must also be addressed. We need to make sure that communication is smooth. There are solutions for this and ways to improve team relationships, and collaboration and minimize inaccuracies.
Despite these challenges, flexibility is the key to the future of the workplace.
Here are a few case studies to explore which make for interesting reading.
Contact us today to set up a meeting where we can discuss how using our Integrated Facility Management Platform will help your business to run more efficiently.
You can email info@alcm.co.za or call +27 87 286 6445