Remote and flexible working are no longer seen as temporary solutions to the pandemic — they are now a necessity for the workforce.
Now, leaders who were critics of working remotely can no longer make the argument that this arrangement is not sustainable as we approach the nine month mark. While some aspects of working will have to stay the same, much of it will be transformed.
One of the biggest impacts the pandemic will have on the workforce is the overall acceptance of flexibility. Because of this, companies will be able to expand their talent pool more than ever before.
Adopting more flexibility will also help improve diversity and inclusion in the workplace. For instance, highly qualified people who cannot afford to live in large cities can now have equal opportunity for good paying positions.
However, this does not mean that all workers will permanently work from home. On the contrary, humans need face-to-face interactions to thrive. While it is unlikely we’ll be sitting at a desk for 40 hours a week each week, the office will still play a role in keeping workers connected with their colleagues.
As companies make this transition, leaders will need to keep in mind the importance of the employee experience over traditional processes.
Additionally, organizations need to open to adapting and changing. What works today may not work tomorrow, so staying agile will be essential to being part of the future of work.