In a pre-COVID world there were some managers who believed that work would not happen unless employees were physically in the workplace.\u00a0 As COVID forced most non-essential services employees to work from home, employers needed to rethink how their employees work.\u00a0 \u00a0<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
Employers quickly realised that most of their employees were still productive despite working from home.\u00a0 We have one employer who has, in fact, seen a marked increase in productivity of their employees whilst working from home!<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
As we move into a \u201cnew normal\u201d, some employers are moving to a \u201cblended workplace.\u201d\u00a0 In this, Part 2 of our 3 Part Series on transitioning to our next normal post COVID-19, we explore what that \u2018blended workplace\u2019 could look like, and how to support your employees to embrace this new way of working.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
There are two types of \u201cblended workplace\u201d:<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
There is no \u2018right answer\u2019 on the approach; it\u2019s all about building an approach that works for your business, your customers\/clients and your employees.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
If you\u2019re going to adopt a blended workplace post COVID-19, here are our top 5 ways to help smooth the transition.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
1. Workforce productivity:<\/strong> Employers should review what worked and what did not during COVID.\u00a0 This may include reflecting on performance review and employee engagement strategies to ensure they are equitable across those employees working remotely and in the workplace.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n 2. Leadership style:<\/strong> Are your current managers adaptable and capable to manage a blended workforce? Do your managers require development in leading or managing a blended workforce? Is the manager\u2019s style flexible enough to accept that employees will have a higher degree of autonomy to manage their workload and deadlines?<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n 3. Transition: <\/strong>For employees who are currently working from home and are expected to return to the workplace, ease these employees back into the workplace through a gradual transition. For example, start with working three days in the office and two days at home.\u00a0 Returning to the workplace full time may be overwhelming for some and may cause unnecessary stress and anxiety \u2013 and don\u2019t forget your COVIDSafe Plan!<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n