The new normal of work will be a place that values remote working and the technology needed to support this. This is a necessity, as research has found that 80% of U.S. workers would prefer to work from home in some way post-pandemic.
With this inevitable shift, organizations need to adopt new policies and adjust current structures that support this more flexible workforce.
Part of these changes will be the need to prioritize employee wellbeing. Even prior to the pandemic, workplace stress cost U.S. employers almost $200 billion in healthcare costs annually.
This number has likely risen in the past year, which is why employee experience needs to become more valued in the workplace. Workers have experienced unprecedented stress, so having a workplace that focuses on the best wellness methods will be crucial moving forward.
Leaders can alleviate any hesitancy or anxiety about returning to the workplace by incorporating strict sanitation protocols, physical distancing and normalizing remote working policies.
Additionally, the hyper-personalization of talent management will need to be more central to company operations. Having an understanding that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to wellbeing programs will be crucial in optimizing employee productivity and engagement.
Whether its health insurance, extra workplace safety protocols, childcare help or access to mental health services, taking a more personalized approach to wellness offerings will make a significant difference in the employee experience.
