Why flexible working will be the new norm – even post-Covid

Research from the professional body for HR professionals, the CIPD reveals the majority of employers now intend to offer flexible working on a regular basis.  I think that’s good news all round and long overdue.  It took a global pandemic but it really does feel like there has been a step change in our attitudes to work, both for employees and employers.
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It may sound obvious but it’s worth stating the benefits of flexible working:

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• Improves quality of life for employees
• Boosts productivity – yes, it really does.  Ask any Mum who went back to work part-time after mat leave!
• Enhances employee collaboration
• Improves focus
• Upskills IT capability – hands up who was a Zoom expert before March??

I’m sure there are individuals and organisations alike who can all see that tech has made working from home easier which has in turn lessened the economic and employment impact of Covid.  It’s probably my age talking here but had a national lockdown occurred when I was first starting out in employment that impact would have been so much more severe – no emails, no smartphones, no video calls…
SO, I hope we can all agree that flexible working is a positive thing.  However, (why is there always a but!) there are definite challenges around wellbeing and managing workers virtually.
A recent YouGov poll cited mental wellbeing of staff as a concern for almost half (47%) of employers, alongside problems with staff interaction (36%) and difficulties managing home workers (33%).
Those figures point to several considerations:

• Have you asked your staff how they’re feeling recently?
• Do line managers see staff wellbeing as a priority?
• Do you have an EAP in place? (Employee Assistance Programme)
• Have you trained line managers to use coaching and listening skills to help staff?
• How about some online training to support difficult performance conversations?

If the answer to any of those questions is no, maybe we should have a chat?  Employee experience or EX was always important – became more important during lockdown – and will continue to increase in importance.  Ensuring the EX at your organisation is positive starts at the top so if you and your senior managers would like expert assistance and a helping hand figuring out the EX plan for your business, let me know!
Ruth George - HR Consultant
ruth@ruthgeorge.com; 07899 920075
This is not legal advice and is provided for general information only. © Ruth George HR Consulting.