The Future of Work
The workplace has always been an evolving and ever-changing environment. However, there is no denying that the COVID-19 pandemic has drastically changed the workplace more than any other event in history. It has changed the way we work and even the way we think about work.
Many organizations are wondering what exactly a post-COVID workplace looks like and what steps they need to take to ensure their workplace is evolving into the future. A recent report from McKinsey & Company provides insight into this exact question. According to their survey and additional research, there are four main areas that employers need to focus their attention on: work-life balance, mental health, flexibility and clarity.
Top Priorities
1. Work-Life Balance
One trend that emerged from the rapid transition to remote working last year, was the need for work-life balance. Work-life balance is an important aspect of a healthy work environment and being able to maintain it helps reduce stress and helps prevent burnout. One possible solution to helping employees achieve work-life balance is to incorporate a hybrid virtual-working model where employees are sometimes on-premises and sometimes working remotely. According to the McKinsey report, “a hybrid model can help organizations make the most of talent wherever it resides. “At the same time, it can lower costs and strengthen organizational performance.”
2. Mental Health
A focus on mental health has been increasingly important over the past few years, but the pandemic made it clear just how critical the current mental health crisis really is. The impacts of the pandemic are predicted to impact mental health for months, or possibly years, to come, so providing employees with access to mental health and well-being solutions is crucial as they return to the workplace. To learn about the mental health and well-being solutions offered by Health Designs, contact us today!
3. Flexibility
The McKinsey report found that more flexibility is one of the most desired outcomes of the pandemic. It is something that a majority of the surveyed employees said they would switch jobs to have. Providing flexible work schedules helps address both work-life balance and mental health for employees, and also helps to improve productivity and engagement. Click here to learn more about the hybrid virtual-working model and how it can help achieve flexible scheduling.
4. Clarity
Clarity is extremely important to employees in more ways than one. For starters, employees want to work for an organization that has a clear vision and ambitious goals. This provides a sense of purpose, which therefore improves motivation. On the other hand, working for an organization that lacked a clear vision caused employees to feel anxious and unfulfilled. In addition, employees also want clarity when it comes to their job role and expectations. While this may sound daunting at first, it all comes down to communication. Focusing a creating a solid communication strategy will help tremendously.
For more information on the future of the work, click here!
