The employee market is tight. The demand for talented employees far exceeds the supply. As employees wish to continue having more balance and/or flexibility, employers have a lot to consider.
As we talk with people every day, both at work and in our personal lives, we hear many expressing the desire to work remotely or not go back to the office full-time. Employees have had time to reflect, and we are finding they are looking for work-life balance and a better, or different, company culture. Many feel they have experienced success working out-of-office through the pandemic, and they have adjusted their lives accordingly. For the most part, we are not hearing employers complain (yet) about performance in the remote environment. In many cases, leadership has adjusted to working this way themselves.
So, what does this mean for the future of our businesses?
We need to look to the next normal. As we do, we need to honestly assess the needs of the business. We have to think about whether we risk losing good people if we don’t adjust. Of course, that is not all we have to think about. The latest trends may or may not be conducive to all of our businesses, and we have to assess several aspects:
• How much are we really getting?
• Is productivity the same or better than when the team worked together in an office?
• Are we able to sustain long-term success with the changes we are considering?
The whole picture should be considered before making permanent business-altering decisions.
Points to consider:
• Performance and results need to be considered with every decision; you cannot choose permanent adjustments at the detriment of your business
• Assess the “when” instead of the “if” when considering the practicality of remote working. “It works when…” versus “it works if…”
• Different roles require some to be in person every day. When they don’t, can you let them go remote?
• Consider hybrid schedules where appropriate, which seems to be a reasonable compromise for everyone
• Listen to your team members as they share thoughts and ideas. Regardless of what decisions are ultimately made, keeping open lines of communication on all levels, considering new ideas, and showing you care are key components of maintaining a positive workplace
• Be sensitive to employees’ feelings. Collectively, we have been through a lot. Our lives changed dramatically, plans changed, and many lost loved ones. Whatever your post-COVID-19 workplace looks like, lead with compassion
• As always, you and your Human Resources leadership need to stay up to date and informed on laws, liabilities, and other issues
However you decide to progress to the next normal, we recommend that you have a solid and well-communicated plan in place which people can prepare for. Be positive. Be clear. Making this plan will help you think through the details and the potential impact to your business. Of course, we all want to keep our team members and keep them happy.
We also need our businesses to thrive for everyone’s sake. Once you carefully think this through, the plan should include details of your next normal.
Some details to consider:
• Why is it important for your business and team to outline the next normal?
• What will the office environment look like? For example, are masks required, have workspaces moved, etc.
• When will you be face-to-face again, and how will it be determined who travels, if anyone at all? Will you be attending shows and events?
• What are your vaccine requirements? Check the laws and guidelines and act accordingly
• How will people remain connected, developed, and supported?
• How will new hires be acclimated to the team and set up for success?
• Which positions will be required to return to the office full time and which, if any, will have the ability to work hybrid or fully remote schedules?
Most importantly, know when new changes will go into effect. It is important to give people a reasonable amount of notice so they can be ready both mentally and practically. Thorough planning, a thoughtful approach, and a clear communication strategy should help us all enter this next era with our best foot forward. Time will tell if we have made the right decisions and, as always, we will be nimble and ready for what comes our way. 
