The way we work has changed over the last couple of years. The critical changes to the workplace have forced employers to change how they operate.
HR managers and employers are rethinking what they offer employees in terms of employee benefits and day-to-day work structure.
There are three key considerations for employers right now: location, flexibility, and diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) issues.
Let’s take a closer look at each of these factors to see how they are impacting the workplace.
Location
For many companies, the traditional model of a central office is no longer feasible. In the past, most employees were required to work in a central office location. However, following the pandemic and with advances in technology, more and more employees are working remotely. This trend is only likely to continue in the future as more companies allow their employees to work from home or other remote locations.
With more and more people working remotely, employers need to rethink their office space requirements. Do you really need that large office downtown? Could you downsize to a smaller space or even eliminate your office altogether? There are pros and cons to this approach, but it’s something that employers need to consider in light of the changing workplace landscape. The shift to remote work has shown that employees can be productive from anywhere, and businesses need to be flexible in order to accommodate this change.
For employers, the location of their employees can have a big impact on compliance with state and local laws. Employment laws often vary by state, occupation and classification of employees. This means that an employer who has employees in multiple states may need to comply with a patchwork of different laws. As a result, employers need to be aware of the implications of having employees in multiple states.
Flexibility
In addition to offering remote work options, employers need to be flexible with their employees’ schedules. Gone are the days of the 9-to-5 workday. With more people leading busy lives, it’s important to offer flexibility when it comes to hours and days worked. This doesn’t mean that there shouldn’t be any expectations or deadlines, but employers need to be flexible when it comes to hours and expectations. Otherwise, they risk losing talented employees to competitors.
According to the McKinsey’s Future of Work study, 20-25% of the workforce is able to work remotely three to five days a week without losing effectiveness. This flexibility has a number of benefits, both for employees and for employers. Employees can enjoy a better work/life balance, as they are not tied to one location. They also have the ability to take advantage of opportunities that may be outside of their normal geographic area. Employers, on the other hand, benefit from a larger pool of potential employees and can often save on office space and other overhead costs. As the workforce continues to become more mobile, it is likely that this trend will continue to grow.
DEI
DEI covers a broad spectrum of topics such as equal opportunity employment, non-discrimination, language access and more. In order to achieve DEI in the workplace, organizations need to commit to making DEI a priority. The pandemic has shone a spotlight on the systemic inequalities that exist in society, and businesses need to do their part to address these issues. This health equity includes everything from ensuring that there is a diverse pool of candidates being considered for open positions to making sure that employees feel like they can be themselves at work without fearing discrimination.
Employers need to make sure their workplaces are welcoming and inclusive for all employees, regardless of race, gender or other identities. If companies want to attract and retain top talent, they need to create a workplace that is diverse and inclusive.
Set organizations up for success
The workplace has changed a lot in recent years and will continue to change in the future. Employers need to be prepared for these changes by offering remote work options, flexible schedules, and a diverse and inclusive environment. By taking these three considerations into account, businesses can develop a workplace strategy that is fit for the future.