August 29, 2021 6 minutes read
Entrepreneur contributors do not necessarily agree with the opinions expressed.
The Covid-19 vaccine is being distributed across the country. Offices are now reopening, and employees are returning in-person work. What are the future prospects and what can leaders do to prepare?
What tools and strategies can leaders and managers use to prepare for office reopening?
Managers need to remember that many employees have been working remotely for over a year before offices reopen. The employee mindset has changed and the teams must embrace new tools and hybrid work models to help bring back company culture.
Businesses large and small will need tools that can help them connect and foster a culture. Remote technology is needed to improve employee education and skill training. To help managers, technology can combine training tools with AI powered coaching and progress reporting. This will replace some of the lost work experience for employees when they are not in the office, while still giving them the option to work from home. Managers who embrace new tools also embrace the fact that employees will spend part of their work week at home.
What can managers do to personalize their leadership approach when staff return to work?
There are many opinions on the topic of a hybrid workplace. Managers should change their thinking and see the advantages of a hybrid work environment to retain and attract top talent.
It is difficult to find ways to meet employee expectations while still giving employees opportunities to develop and engage. Employers must find ways to create company culture and ensure remote employees feel part of the company's community if a hybrid model is to become the new paradigm. Managers need to take the time to assess their own performance and make decisions about promotions to ensure they aren't subconsciously favoring in-person employees.
It is time to get rid of the old-fashioned managerial mindset that states that if there aren't workers in a chair, work isn’t being done. Passive monitoring, facial recognition, and time tracking tools all help employees be more productive while still maintaining privacy. It's crucial to move away from traditional ways of managing and watching employees to use technology to fill in the gaps.
Related: Employee monitoring can be ethical?
Are you expecting a rise in productivity? If so, elaborate.
It seems that there is a wide gap between employees and executives regarding how working remotely has affected productivity. According to one study, 43% said that their company was forced to postpone major campaigns, launches or launches due to employees working remotely. 86% of managers were concerned about employees working remotely. 40% of employees however stated that they were more productive working from home.
The question is: Why does there seem to be such a wide gap? Do employees want to be at home? Or are they trying to justify their decision? Managers want to be able monitor employees better throughout the day. No matter what the reason, it seems that employees want to be able work remotely at least part of the day. They are also willing to quit their jobs if they don't get the opportunity. Managers have to adjust to this new model and find ways of reaching previous levels.
Existing tools were modified to meet the needs of remote workers when the current crisis in health began. The work-from home technology revolution has been in full swing for more than a year. To bring in-person experience into the home office, tools for collaboration, employee monitoring, real-time communication, and employee monitoring have been developed. Employers need to look for tools that increase productivity if they are experiencing low productivity.
Related: How to Design the Ideal Home Office
How can managers help to rebuild and what changes should they be prepared for?
Managers must be able to communicate with employees about their difficulties with returning to work. Some employees may have scheduling conflicts or childcare problems, while others might be anxious about meeting face-to face after more than a year of being away from work. If communicating with employees is difficult, there are tools that can help.
It is crucial to maintain good communication with employees during times of transition and friction. Employers that fail to address these issues are likely to have higher levels of employee burnout and will lose them to employers who take better care of their employees.
Related: High-Stress Businesses Need to Invest In Employee Mental Health
What systems and programs can managers use now to transition to a post-lockdown workplace?
Regular, frequent check-ins will be crucial. Knowing the mindset and attitudes of your employees will allow you to retain more people and make them happier and more engaged. Your managers must be supported and trained in order to adapt and work in this new environment. It is impossible to expect them to be able to manage in this new environment without support. You must ensure they are given the guidance and tools necessary to restore company culture and create a stable company environment.
The majority of information about remote work is from before any major world-changing event. As new tools are introduced every day, modern remote work will be very different. Employers will be able troubleshoot and find the best tools for their programs if they adopt these tools immediately. This time can also be used to assess the productivity and cost savings that can be expected from modern remote work technology.
While the world of work is unlikely to change, we now have the opportunity to enjoy other aspects of our lives. Technology allows us to achieve a better balance between work and personal lives. This is a permanent change that should be welcomed. Companies can adapt their management styles and use new technologies to change expectations. This will allow them to be prepared to help employees transition back into work while maintaining productivity and attracting top talent.
