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By Shikha Verma
18 Sep 2022
To keep employees engaged in a changing workplace environment, it is crucial to understand what motivates them. The most common motivators include money, recognition, and job satisfaction.
Gallup study shows employees also get motivated by their sense of belonging to a team, their desire to learn and grow, and their need to feel appreciated. A common construct of a highly engaged workforce is ‘having a friend at work. Managers can use these motivators to create a positive work environment that encourages employees to give their best effort.
One way to engage employees in a changing workplace environment is to keep them informed of changes that are taking place. Employees will feel more engaged and invested in their work if they are kept in the loop. Additionally, managers can ask for input from employees on changes that are taking place. This will help employees feel like they are a part of the decision-making process and that their opinions matter.
Managers can also create a community mindset by encouraging employees to work together towards a common goal. A positive work environment can be fostered by providing socializing opportunities like social work, helping a child, saving mother nature, etc. Employees who feel like they are part of a team and appreciated are more likely to be engaged in their work.
Essentially employee engagement today depends on whether a business can make the Hybrid model work and what is their readiness level to cater to future trends. To make the hybrid model work, ensure everyone is on the same page. Communicate the expectations and goals for the remote or hybrid work environment to all employees. Next, create some ground rules. Establish what hours employees should be available, what type of acceptable communication, and what tools they should use. Finally, be patient as employees usually need time to adjust to the new rules.
How you can ensure Hybrid Model works for you as an employer?
Build 'Organisational Agility’ through a simple P-E-S-C approach:
P - Personalization & People Connect
These days, businesses have become more aware of the value created when they help their employees have a better work-life balance.
A healthy work-life balance creates happier, more productive employees and reduces staff turnover risk. Creating a healthy work-life balance starts with creating a healthy corporate culture. A healthy corporate culture emphasizes the importance of creating a good work-life balance for employees. Create a Holistic Employee Experience keeping their well-being in mind, and make Any-Time-Learning and help available in any aspect of their life.
E - Enable & Empower
Adopt & provide new-age collaboration tools & technology. The policies & practices need to be reworked as per current needs to align the eco-system.
S - Safety & Security at the workplace
There is a need to address wellbeing and emotional safety like never before besides adhering to Corona Protocols. In a study, 97% of employees want changes in the workplace for higher safety, emotional & mental, and hygiene.
C - Comfort & Care in Workstyle
Treat your employees as adults and not children. They needn't be told what needs to be done or monitored. World-class best workplaces have a tiny home space(for kids & dogs) & nap zone too in the office. Another way to show that you care is to create Green Workspace, which has open spaces and more greenery in the office to destress the employees.
How can you address the top Workplace Trends for the Future
The workforce is changing rapidly, and the future of work is uncertain. But that doesn't mean you can't prepare for the future of the workplace. Here are the top workplace trends to watch for in the coming years:
1. More Remote work
Thanks to technology, more people can work remotely than ever before. This trend will only continue in the future as employers realize the benefits of a remote workforce.
This means must provide WFH allowances to build proper infrastructure and a fully functional workspace at home. Also, employers and employees know co-location is unnecessary for productivity; creating a distributed workforce and incentivizing them appropriately will be required. It's essential to identify newer and multiple communication gateways for Brand connect & to encourage a culture of collaboration and knowledge sharing. You can create a remote or hybrid work environment that is both productive and efficient by always taking their feedback and suggestions for the same.
2. Increased flexibility
Employers are realizing that offering employees flexibility in their work schedules can be a win-win. Employees appreciate the freedom to work when they are most productive. This means more time with family, more time for personal interests, or more time for rest and relaxation. For the employer, a flexible work schedule can mean increased productivity, reduced absenteeism, and a more satisfied workforce.
This means you can consider shorter weekdays or work week and/or roster your team members to come to the office on different weekdays. Team Managers must ensure they choose to work from home at least twice a week to encourage and support WFA Policy.
3. A focus on wellness
Employees are increasingly interested in wellness programs, and employers are starting to offer them as a way to attract and retain top talent. From on-site yoga classes to healthy lunch options, employers are getting creative in promoting wellness.
This means Community projects can be picked up with more involvement of employees as these campaigns bond them at a deeper level and make them experience more meaning at work. I strongly feel the scope of wellness has changed, and hence the involvement of employees has become critical. It's about creating value and building a sense of belonging.
4. More automation
With advancements in technology, there is increasing automation in the workplace. This can be a good thing, leading to increased efficiency and productivity.
This means that workers must be prepared to work with business applications that require and promote team collaboration.
5. A focus on skills development
In the future, workers will need to constantly learn and develop new skills. Employers will look for employees who can adapt and thrive in a constantly changing environment.
The need for 'Work From Anywhere' -WFA makes tailor-made employment & a robust governance system an absolute imperative too. Work From Home (Remote working) has had its own limitations, including lack of personal touch, distractions, lack of proper routine, stretched timings (without breaks & walks), and a feeling of isolation (losing boss time or visibility syndrome).
More flexibility means a Mindset Shift (lesser micro-management & more accountability). Leadership Development can address such gaps. An integrated roadmap backed by diligent yet authentic efforts at the ground level strengthens the culture muscle & gradually propels businesses into its new Avatar.
Focus on the simple yet meaningful steps that make your employees work better & feel happy contributing each day.
Good one!