Work Bold: 15 Lessons We Can Learn from Companies that Returned to the Office
As the world shifts with the pandemic, so does the workspace. Before returning to work, your company might be able to learn a few things from others that have taken the first steps.
“Ultimately, each employee needs to find a personal motivation to go to the workplace. ”
As the world shifts with the pandemic, so do workspaces. Before returning to work, your company might be able to learn a few things from others that have taken the first steps.
Make Returning to the Office a Personal Choice
Many organizations understand that their employees are their best assets. To demonstrate the value they place on their people, some companies have made returning to the office a personal choice.
Ultimately, each employee needs to find a personal motivation to go to the workplace.
Define the new role of the office
Most employees report increased productivity by working from home. This sentiment may lead to remote work remaining the main mode of work -- even as restrictions loosen.
The office may shift to taking a new role: a place for occasional social interaction and collaborative work. The workplace is likely to transform into a place for breaking the monotony of working from home and a way get new perspective from colleagues.
Scale Gradually
Some offices require only a quarter of their total workforce to return to work. The move to decrease density makes it easier for companies to manage hygiene and air flow.
Balance productivity and employee morale
Ask simple questions like:
"How did you feel coming to work today?" "Did you feel safe being in our workspace today?"
Such questions help create policies that boost employee morale.
Define site-critical tasks
Covid-19 restrictions have forced companies to redefine which types of work should be absolutely done from the office. Human resource management, which is traditionally considered a site-critical role, is now facing a radical transformation. With the rise of video conferencing and online hiring platforms, most HR functions can be fulfilled regardless of location.
A study published by LinkedIn reveals that most HR professionals are able to thrive in a remote work environment.
This shift in the HR work paradigm is an encouragement to re-evaluate the types of work that can be done outside of the office. Project management, content creation, and programming are easily on top of the list of work that can be done remotely. Now might be a good time to look at current job titles and job descriptions, and identify which work requires presence in the office.
Alternate shifts
A key element to distancing is space. While it may be hard to exponentially expand office space, one solution can be to schedule employees to come on alternate days. Staggered shifts make social distancing more manageable.
Avoid rush hour
Public transport is still a reality for many employees. Scheduling employees on shifts that will help them avoid the crowd can not only increase safety measures, but also boost employee morale.
Create Guidelines on Who May Be Exempted from Wearing Facemasks
Until now, the efficacy of the facemask is still contested. Anecdotal evidence show, however, the offices that practiced frequent handwashing, social distancing, and wearing of facemasks are able to manage virus transmission in the workplace.
Create Guidelines on How Facial Covering Should be Worn
Many business organizations have definitive guidelines on how facial coverings should be worn. Such clear-cut guidelines encourage proper use of facemasks.
Discuss Responsibility
There is a continued debate on who takes responsibility if an employee contracts Covid-19 while at work. Ultimately, the solution should come from a discussion between employees and the employer. The important thing is to have this discussion beforehand.
Plan B in Place
Restrictions can tighten or loosen. Many offices have a Plan B in place to make going back to work-from-home more seamless and ensure business continuity.
Discuss the Screening of Employee Health
Some US states require companies to perform a certain level of screening before allowing employees to return to work. Before being allowed back to work, employees may be asked about personal health or having been in contact with patients who are diagnosed with COVID-19. Additionally, employees can be required to go thru a temperature check and wear facial coverings.
Consider How The Office Space Can Be Restructured
A staggered workforce can be an excellent solution to minimizing the need to modify the workplace. However, some offices that felt the need for a workspace modification did some of the following:
- required employees to leave their shoes at the entrance
- installed more washing stations
- used more hard surfaces that are easier to clean
- installed markings to indicate a safe social distance
- increased ventilation
On the other side of the equation, some companies have invested on technologies to continue to decrease the number of people who need to perform in-office work.
Tech companies have been leaders in transforming the workplace. As the world situation continues to change, tech companies once again find themselves in the forefront of redefining the workplace. Like all good things, returning will take time. To echo Google CEO Sundar Pichai:
“Ramp back to the office will be slow, deliberate and incremental.”
