The coronavirus pandemic has changed a huge amount about life over the last 18 months or so, especially when it comes to business. Companies have had to adapt to new ways of working and now businesses must reimagine roles in the office to create a safe, productive and enjoyable work environment for employees.
Choosing a Work Model
Obviously, the most notable change has been the rise of remote work. This was on the rise for a while prior to COVID-19, but the pandemic forced businesses to adopt mass remote work and it has proven to be successful in many cases with many companies even noting an increase in productivity in addition to other benefits. Now organisations need to find the best work model moving forward with most either opting for hybrid or fully remote.
Redesigning the Work Environment
When you have a business where staff are only coming in a few days a week, it creates a completely different environment and it is important that changes are made. Businesses need to redesign the workplace so that they have hot desks and spaces for both remote and hybrid workers to work comfortably but also safely (especially while the pandemic continues).
Managing Remote Staff
In terms of remote workers, it is important that managers know how to manage their team effectively and keep them engaged particularly now that the novelty of remote work has worn off. Additionally, you need to have a high-quality virtual event platform so that you can easily conduct virtual meetings and social events with your staff. This can help you to overcome some of the challenges that remote workforce management can bring and help staff to feel more connected to the business.
Providing Key Equipment
Following on from this, staff also need to have access to the tools, equipment and tech that will help them to work remotely. This will include the basics like an ergonomic desk chair and desk, a suitable laptop, smartphone, headphones and various remote work tools.
Maintain Close Communication
Crucially, you also need to maintain close communication with staff during this time of change. It is a strange, unique and unsettling time with so much changing both in terms of work and life in general, so you need to maintain close communication and check in with staff on a regular basis (especially those working remotely). In addition to this, you should encourage staff to come forward with any concerns, ideas or questions that they have.
Businesses are having to completely reimagine the office and work life for their staff in this time of change, which can be stressful and challenging. Adapting to provide safe, productive and enjoyable roles for employees is key and the above are the main areas that you will need to focus on in order to embrace this new chapter and find success.
