Daily Digest News – July 24, 2020

Hand selected flexible workspace news from the most reliable sources to keep you ahead of the pack. We find all the latest news, so you don’t have to. Morning and afternoon updates. Stay in the know.

Here’s what you need to know today:

• The Era Of Remote Working Has Arrived
• Prioritizing Mental Health When Returning To Work
• Business Leaders Optimistic About The Future Of Work

The Era Of Remote Working Has Arrived

Millions of workers across the UK have delved into the world of remote working for the first time ever, and workplaces will never be the same. Now, the concept of Remotopia is now on the horizon.

Remotopia refers to the idea that remote working will be the norm for workers that are able to get their work done wherever they want. This shift has been slowly occurring for years now, but the pandemic has thrusted it into the spotlight.

As we adjust to this new way of working as a society, workers will have a better grasp on how to remain engaged and connected through various tools and resources. Even home offices will be equipped with ergonomic furniture and natural lighting to allow employees to get their best work done.

Remote working has long been touted for its numerous benefits for both workers and their employers. For instance, flexibility can help eliminate commutes, which means less stress and more time at home, allowing for better mental health.

Additionally, employers are able to access a much wider talent pool when adopting these policies. Instead of limiting their search to just one area, remote working gives them the opportunity to scope the entire world for top talent.

Companies and workers also save money with remote working arrangements without spending money on gas for commutes, lunch and office space costs.

Prioritizing Mental Health When Returning To Work

Business leaders have started planning how to carefully bring employees back into the workplace in a way that does not jeopardize the health and safety of workers. While physical health is vital in the midst of a global pandemic, mental health in the workplace should also be considered and addressed.

A survey found that 41.6% of workers have had a decline in their mental health since the pandemic has begun, and it should be the responsibility of employers to support workers during this stressful time.

Employees who are returning to the workplace may face challenges relating to grief, isolation, addition or job insecurity magnified by the lockdown. To address these potential problems, companies should look into policies that help workers manage their stress or mental health problems. 

This can be as simple as communicating with the workforce in a way that emphasizes wellness or offer resources that can help those who are struggling. Having this clear message that shows employees their mental health is a priority in the workplace, which helps build a culture of empathy and helps workers feel more secure.

Workers who are suffering from mental health issues often feel as if no one cares for them, and leaders who voice concern for their workers’ well-being can help alleviate those worries. This can be accomplished by actively listening and providing reassurance about returning to the workplace.

Business Leaders Optimistic About The Future Of Work

Cisco has released a report that offers insight into the lessons companies have learned over the past few months, particularly changes in mindset, direction and behavior in the workplace.

The findings revealed that 74% of business leaders believe their company will come out of the pandemic stronger than before. Despite the obstacles many organizations have had to overcome throughout the majority of 2020, digital transformation and other innovations that have been recently adopted are leaving leaders and employees with an optimistic mindset.

Additionally, nearly half of the respondents said they believe that flexibility will be here to stay. Even more, 50% said that offering more remote working capabilities could help a company become more inclusive and diverse.

87% of managers also said that the pandemic has caused them to further emphasize the importance of employee well-being and work-life balance. 

“From a business agility and resiliency perspective, it’s important that we learn and adapt quickly from this experience,” said Aruna Ravichandran, VP of Marketing at Cisco‘s Collaboration Group. “You never know when you’ll need to pivot, and we’ve seen that technology like Webex is playing a key role.”