The pandemic saw us all pack our bags, clear our desks, and create a makeshift working space from our dining tables. Over a year on, that hasn’t seemed to change too much. With many of us still working from home or at least during a few days a week, flexible working seems to be the new normal.
With a strong desire for businesses to become more digital, it has meant that people are able to do their jobs anywhere at any time. This therefore means that businesses are wanting to attract and retain the top talent, but in doing so has meant organisations have been pushed into making their working options flexible.
Of course, the pandemic has accelerated this transition greatly and workers were required to balance their careers with childcare and other commitments - whilst working from home. The 9-5 lifestyle soon became an inconvenience, and the flexible working method became more common. However, whilst it can be a blessing for people, there are some that struggle to have a good balance with their personal life and work commitments.
To make it easier for employees, business owners must show trust in their staff that they will get their work done when and how it suits them best. There are three essential steps that an organisation can undertake to overcome any challenges whilst undertaking a new work model.
1. Digital and soft skills must take priority
This is an urgent priority. If people have the required digital skills and tools, they will be able to do their jobs better through improved communication, work more safely online and experience less inconveniences.
2. Leaders must have a healthy, flexible work routine themselves
Senior members of staff should be setting a good example from the start of flexible working, showing the activity of set boundaries. Training can also help in regard to mental wellbeing – being aware of when breaks are needed and making sure employees don’t feel isolated is key.
3. Technologies must meet employee needs
When remote working, teams communicate using both old and new technologies. It’s important for businesses to try and replicate the same experience at home that they have in the workplace. Platforms such as Monday.com, Microsoft Teams and Slack enable a sense of communication and real-time visibility, which in turn helps to manage workflow.