Dive Brief:
- The novel coronavirus pandemic has created an opportunity for employers to "hit reset" on traditional workplace practices, staffing firm The Adecco Group said June 30 — and individuals say they’re on board.
- In a recent survey from the organization, respondents generally said they are in favor of hybrid arrangements that allow for both telework and on-site work. They also expressed support for "results-driven" work over a requirement they work set hours, The Adecco Group said.
- The findings show that employee attitudes have shifted and that a gap now exists between workforce expectations and entrenched processes, the organization’s CEO, Alain Dehaze, said in a statement. "As we step into the new era of work, now is the time to establish better norms that will enable a holistically healthy, productive and inclusive workforce into the future." The research surveyed 8,000 white-collar workers from Australia, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Spain, the U.K. and the U.S.
Dive Insight:
While some employers were already testing creative changes such as four-day workweeks before the pandemic, the virus has forced many more to reconsider how and where work gets done.
Experts have predicted the workplace will never look the same post-pandemic and employers’ re-opening plans may bear that out, with some closing common areas, erecting barriers and creating "family work groups." Still more have said they’ll forego the office entirely, moving to an entirely distributed workforce model.
When it comes to such changes, there may be no one-size-fits-all strategy but HR can work to gauge employee preferences and implement new policies evenly and clearly. Communication is key, experts previously told HR Dive. "Now is the time to reintroduce more empathy and understanding into our policies and processes," Andi Britt, senior partner — talent and transformation, IBM Services, previously told HR Dive. "Your employees will remember how you treat them when under pressure and how you listen to their concerns."
