Many companies are being forced to make difficult decisions affecting their ongoing workforce.
Choices of whether to adopt a fully remote working policy, a combination of separate remote and on premises teams or a hybrid giving employees the opportunity to split their time between both.
Today’s technology allows people to work just as efficiently from home with the right tools, but there are inevitably downsides to remote working that need to be addressed so that they don’t outweigh the positives. In the short term, during lockdown, staff had to adapt quickly and there is no doubt that not having the daily commute and a more relaxed format to our days was appreciated. But as time goes on many are feeling the effects of isolation, lack of cohesion, common purpose and sense of belonging. The team spirit that inspires us is prone to be lost and achievements go unrecognised by a wider group. There seems to be a feeling that careers have stagnated or even backtracked. The new normal may not be good for our mental or social wellbeing which could potentially mean that our post pandemic performance will not be as effective. Of course, it is dependent on specific job roles and personalities. But for most of us the social interaction of a working environment is as important as the laptop we may use.
This presents a challenge for employers, how to keep their employees engaged and give them a sense of inclusion which in turn will encourage productivity and be a positive for our mental health.