Now that a large chunk of the population has experienced working remotely due to the COVID-19 crisis, will more people be wanting that choice full time? Or are people wanting to go back to a traditional office setting?
It’s an essential question for managers to think about as more workplaces open up going forward. Some of the answers might be dictated by your workplace. Hands-on jobs may require an office setting. But many people have proved they can successfully work from home. So here’s an overview of the two possible scenarios.
Some Workers May Still Want to Work from Home…
In the first days of the pandemic, many workers may have felt they were scrambling to work from home locations they weren’t used to using as workplaces. But the fact is, millions of people have adjusted well to working from home, with no loss of productivity and camaraderie.
Not only that, but many of your employees may have tasted the fruits that come along with working from home. There’s no time lost in commuting – and no expenses for transportation, either. They are closer to family in case of illness.
Many companies also had to invest in work-from-home employees, changing and augmenting their systems to be online. Watercooler chat can now be handled from Slack and meetings from Zoom. It might be more productive for your company to leave those systems in place than to revert back to in-the-office all-the-time work.
…but Many Workers and Companies Want Office Life
But the fact is, many employees want badly to go back into the office – and your company’s top management might want that as well.
The reasons are numerous. Some people and companies simply feel there’s more accountability and synergy when folks are gathered in an office together. Many people may feel more connection and engagement if they are physically at a site.
The company’s reasons may depend on your work. Some managers may feel it’s easier to manage on-premises staff than having to rely on employee self-generated productivity and online communication skills. Teamwork across departments may lend itself more to onsite activities.
Plan, Plan, Plan
It’s crucial to plan now for whichever avenue you will choose. Have management meetings to weigh the pros and cons. Get advice and recommendations from top management.
If you still allow work from home, you may need to move additional systems, such as human resources, online. Be sure to familiarize yourself with helpful software, such as Trello, Slack, and Zoom (if you haven’t already).
If workers are expected to head back to the office, let them know. Start putting dates in employees’ heads, if possible. Be as transparent as possible about why the company has decided to move back to office life onsite. Be prepared to answer questions.
Partner with a Staffing Agency!
The transition back from the pandemic might cause you to need new hires. At Expert Staffing, we can help. We place top talent in part-time, full-time, and temporary jobs in your area. To discuss your needs, contact us today.
