They are considering the impact on hybrid-workingThe following are the details about the business: Technology’s impactHow to maintain your health? Trust and productivity.
There were some interesting themes in the research. First, hybrid and remote work have not had a material effect on worker productivity. More than half of respondents stated that working from home has improved productivity. This is due to people not having to commute as well as the usual distractions. However, that does not mean that companies will shut down their offices.
Another theme focused on culture and values and how to instill these in a more complex work environment. The respondents recognised the need for a clearly defined purpose and a precise set of values, so that ‘all compasses point north’ regardless of where people regularly work. Companies have worked hard to keep employees informed through regular Zoom meetings, online Town Halls, and other means. However, research shows that managers still feel they have a lot to do to ensure that employees are aligned with the business’s needs and interests.
Greater trust between employees & their direct supervisors
Senior managers also need to foster trust between employees, their supervisors, and their direct reports. It is easy to see the potential for professional relationships to change when people communicate primarily via Zoom, email, or phone. Both sides can see situations differently from each other. Although it is easy to monitor delivery through email and documentation, it can be difficult for employees and managers to stay on the same page far from work. Questions can easily bubble up in people’s minds. Are they just watching TV all the time? Are they eating long lunches? Are they aware of my work and the amount of work I put in?
This can cause friction between managers, their staff, and can result in lower engagement, productivity, and higher staff turnover.
There are many steps managers can take to address this. Being aware of the problem can make a big difference. It’s also a good idea to regularly arrange face-toface and in-person meetings for your team.
Effective policy management can provide guidance, and even assurance
Effective policy management is another option. Managers have an obligation to their staff, the business, as well as themselves, to ensure that their employees understand what they expect in terms of professional conduct, data security management, and how to follow safety and health guidelines.
Effective policy management can help provide guidance and assurance for staff about the company’s expectations of behaviour. Managers can also be assured that their staff understand what is expected and follow it. This helps managers instill the values and culture they want for their staff. It can also instill trust by showing managers and staff that expectations are understood and met without them needing to constantly check.
Although policy management is not new, there are many lessons to be learned from our experience working with industry professionals and customers over the past few years in helping them overcome the operational and cultural challenges that hybrid-working presents.
Centralised Policy Library
Centralised Policy LibraryFirst, a centralised policy library will allow everyone to access the most recent guidance on important issues. Policy managers can also ensure that only the most current documents are in circulation.
Enhanced Workflow Capabilities
Enhanced Workflow CapabilitiesTo make policy enhancements quick and efficient, you can use workflow capabilities. This leverages a policy library. Staff can keep up to date with changing requirements using automated training and assessment capabilities. This allows them to work at the pace that suits their needs.
Automated Reporting Tools
Automated Reporting ToolsAutomated reporting tools allow the Board to see that staff are following proper procedures, despite being dispersed.
