How to create a healthy, harmonious workplace culture, post pandemic
Hybrid working is the future. Like it or loathe it, post pandemic, the working world has stepped into new territory, one that combines remote and on-site working. The question is, are you ready for the impact that it will have on your working culture?
How did you and your colleagues find working from home? Many of our clients have talked about either loving it or hating it – with not a lot in between! Some said they struggled with motivation while others couldn’t find the off-switch which meant they spent all day, everyday, ‘at work’. Many said they felt lonely and missed the usual banter and social life that punctuates office life. As if that wasn’t enough, a lot of the workforce has come out of the pandemic with some pretty big life-changing questions such as “does this job work for me?” and “how can I find a healthier work/life balance?”
According to a McKinsey survey, 50% of respondents said they’d like to work at least partially remotely.
Now we’re starting to go back into the office, there’s an obvious opportunity to help employees rediscover their mojo and find new purpose in what they do. Too much change has happened – on a personal and business level – for everyone to go back to doing things how we did pre-pandemic. We need to now focus our efforts on creating a healthy working culture, one that has every member of the team, whether they’re working from home or in the office, motivated, engaged and productive.
Here’s a few pointers you might want to consider:
- Employees are saying they want to be involved in the decision-making process. Businesses need to show they’re listening. Tell your employees about your plans for the future, new policies and guidelines. Keep them in the loop – and get their feedback.
- Think about what’s the most appropriate way to communicate company news and information. Some virtual interactions create a much more personal connection where a boss gets an insight into their employee’s home life. Other interactions are better to take place in the office. The key is to ask your team which they prefer.
- Create a communications campaign that shows you’re listening and that you’re re-thinking culture together with your employees, not in isolation from them. Make sure you factor in sentiment from focus groups, employee surveys, polls, etc and let this drive your communications strategy and creative content.
- Why not create a film to communicate your new culture and vision for the future with a clear way forward for implementing it? You could broadcast a series of ‘live’ sofa chats with key members of your leadership team across your internal social channels (don’t forget to include a Q&A to encourage maximum engagement).
Whatever your next steps, it’s a new road ahead. If you’re looking for fresh ideas on how to keep your workforce connected and motivated, let’s start talking.
