Companies all over the U.S. are scrambling to create plans to welcome employees back into the workplace. This includes evaluating how many workers will be able to return to the office, how to continue remote working in the future and how necessary in-person work is for productivity.
As we settle into the new normal, companies need to shift away from simply surviving and managing the crisis and focus on how to encourage innovation. The key to success will be finding a balance between in-person collaboration and remote working.
Companies should consider a few things before allowing employees to come back into the workplace. Namely, how valuable working in a physical office is and what circumstances will make it necessary to congregate in the workplace. Additionally, business leaders should measure how productive employees are being from their remote positions, and review the pros and cons of this arrangement.
If employees do come back into the office, it will undoubtedly look much different with physical distancing guidelines in place.
For those who do continue to work from home, companies can ensure that employees are safely connecting and collaborating by hosting virtual summits or sending employees care packages. This is particularly important as remote working has been linked to isolation and poor mental health in some employees.
Finding a balance between in-person and remote working will be essential to adapt to a new normal that is supportive to workers and beneficial to their personal wellness and productivity.
