By now, we’re all used to the WFH routines. The countless emails, Zoom calls, and flexible hours are all second nature.
The work environment has been forced into change, and as we look forward to the long-awaited return to normality, some aspects just won’t be the same as the pre-pandemic workplace.
A recent study has revealed some key changes that employees are expecting of their post-pandemic workplaces.
Flexibility
A huge part of working from home has been flexible working. Location flexibility, for one, has been crucial to the continuation of work during the pandemic. However, this flexibility has also served as a means of balancing stress, work-life balance, and overall satisfaction.
Schedule flexibility, on the other hand, is even more impactful. It was found that employees are far less stressed, increasingly productive, and reportedly even more connected to both the people and information they need to get their job done.
Connected
Of the surveyed population, only 20% deemed the workplace a place for focused, solo work. But 80% said that they would like access to an office whereby collaboration with peers can occur.
Digital infrastructure is the future of work, in fact, those who have invested in it have seen surging increases in productivity, feelings of belonging, and positive feelings towards stress and anxiety.
Inclusive
The study showed that flexible working environments, including remote working, has driven inclusion. Employees of colour (Asian, Black, Hispanic) feel more wanted and more comfortable with their roles when working remotely.
Looking to the future
The workplace of the past is well and truly in the past. Companies need to adapt to these changes, that frankly, employees expect of their workplaces.
The post-pandemic workplace needs to be flexible, inclusive, and constantly connected.
To read the full report, click here.
