Long gone are the days of Zoom quizzes, banana bread baking and binge watching Tiger King…but what does post-pandemic life have in store for the way we work?
2020 introduced a new era for white-collar workers, who mostly found themselves working from home or in a hybrid arrangement to mitigate the risk of catching Covid-19. Of course, not everyone was given this privilege, with essential workers such as retail staff, delivery drivers and doctors attending the workplace as usual.
Although the world is opening its doors once again, there has been a seismic shift in the expectations around how we work (and where!). Data from the Office for National Statistics showed that 84% of people that worked from home during the pandemic said they would continue to do so in the future.
However, a large number of companies have waved goodbye to WFH policies and hello to the return of office life. As a result, CEOs are reporting a rise in ‘white-collar lethargy’ amongst employees who are less motivated in the workplace and coming up with new excuses to avoid commuting at all costs.
So how can white-collar managers bring back team momentum in the office?
Incentivise
Consider introducing a more casual dress code where possible (even if it’s just on Fridays) as workers are likely accustomed to wearing more comfortable work-from-home attire. This will create a more relaxed environment where employees can feel comfortable at their desk. It’s also a good idea to plan events throughout the year, whether a company sports day or drinks after work. This will remind your employees of the social benefits that come with office working and also encourage team bonding.
Model a healthy work/life balance
If hybrid working isn’t an option for your business, make sure you’re encouraging your employees to take regular breaks and use all of their holiday allowance to avoid burnout. Not only will this make the office a happier environment, but also shows your workers that you value the importance of their downtime and take mental health seriously.
Ask the people who matter
Find out what motivates your employees and decide how you can best meet their needs. This might mean reevaluating how your business operates and where there could be room for improvement. Of course, happy employees are more likely to perform to their best ability and remain loyal to the company in question. It’s a win-win!
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