It’s a fact that we can repeat over and over, but it doesn’t change the fact that COVID-19 fundamentally changed how we live and work.
We’ve learned so much about working remotely and how to make the most out of Zoom meetings since the beginning of the pandemic. We look forward to the future as we enter the post-pandemic era.
There is a lot of speculation regarding the future of work. This report contains some of that speculation and discusses how the pandemic has led to increased trends in remote work and e-commerce. It fundamentally changes how work will be done in the future.
These changes will make employees different and employers will have to adapt. Employers will need to offer new benefits to their employees in areas such as flexible work, health and employee engagement if they are to retain and hire top talent.
Flexible, flexible, and flexibility: Remote work options
Despite the increasing trend towards screen fatigue technology has been a lifesaver to employees and work to continue during the pandemic.
Many employees who have worked at home over the past two years are now realizing that remote work is possible and that it can be more productive.
Employees love being able to do laundry, have lunch with the family, and work remotely. These spaces are becoming more popular because of their flexibility and convenience. They also offer the possibility to work in a different country or city.
Employers will need additional benefits to meet the demands of flexible working. These benefits will be more widespread:
- Flexible working remotely (at minimum part-time): Employers have the option to set a work schedule (i.e. Employers can either set a schedule (i.e., two days at work and three at home) or let the employee decide. Data shows 52% of workers desire a flexible and hybrid work model in the post-pandemic era.
- Work vacation options: Employers won’t “keep tabs on” where their employees work… As long as the work gets completed, it doesn’t matter whether it’s done poolside with a glass of wine in hand.
- Flexibility to address personal circumstances: Employees can be allowed to take time off to care for their family or to arrange a schedule that suits them best.
Mental and Physical Health First
Undoubtedly, the pandemic had an adverse effect on mental and physical health. While there were some who had the virus, many felt the stress of anxiety and the uncertainty. Data shows 41.1% of adults reported symptoms of anxiety or depression in January 2021 compared with just 11% for the period January through June 2019, before the pandemic.
Employers must be aware of this and prioritize mental and physical health. For employees who return to work after a pandemic, this will be a requirement. These are the new benefits for employees:
- More sick days: The pandemic showed us that it is important to be home for those who are ill and that it is possible to continue working in companies even if someone is home.
- Additional benefits: This should also include counseling and mental healthcare.
- Perks: Some perks have been shown to improve mental and bodily health such as access to classes or fitness centers.
- Wellness Days:An additional day off that can be used to take a much-needed vacation, at the discretion of the employee.
Engaging employees in their work
We often hear about the Great Resignation, which is the current phenomenon in which people leave their jobs in large numbers after the pandemic. It can be caused by many factors, but the most important is that employees are no longer engaged in their work.
Post-pandemic, employee engagement will be a key part of the work world. There are several ways employees can integrate it.
- Investing In DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion): Create open, welcoming spaces for all employees. Studies have shown that employees are happier when they support the company’s DEI efforts.
- Talk the talk: Make certain that the company’s values are reflected in day-to-day business operations. This will ensure that employees feel they are working for a place that reflects their values.
- Offer opportunities for education, skill development. Give employees ways to further their skills and knowledge in order to achieve career milestones and promotions.
The post-pandemic world will change the way that work looks. Employees are seeking out changes and have made significant improvements. Employers will have to offer new benefits that are flexible, physical and mental health-focused, as well as employee engagement.
Get in touch if you work remotely or manage a group that does for more information about Signature Workspace.
This post was written by Tara Kintz. Tara is a director at Signature Workspace. Signature Workspace, owned and operated by Cantor Fund Management, offers services and amenities such as private offices, flex space, co-working space, virtual offices, meeting/conference rooms, and more.
