Going back to work can be a stressful and emotional experience. You can make your transition easier by planning your commute and learning the safety procedures and work hours at your workplace. You can also create a routine and practice it before heading back to work. These steps will help to feel confident and prepared for your new role.
In-person meetings
Meetings in person are becoming more common as restrictions on travel and meetings become less restrictive. But they remain below pre-pandemic levels. Future-oriented leaders are helping redefine the definition of 'normal'. A team that has been working primarily online for two years is likely to feel relief but also fear at the first meeting in person.
Virtual meetings can have significant drawbacks as well. Virtual meetings might not be able to allow participants to see non-verbal cues which make up 80 percent of human communication. Also, virtual meetings can exclude people who have different communication styles. One Harvard Business Review study indicated that some people feel more comfortable speaking up during virtual meetings. This may lead to greater inclusion.
Flexible return to office policy
The Bank of England stated that it will not reverse its flexible return–to-office policy. The reasons include individual circumstances and health issues. Canva announced it will create a flexible work environment for its employees. Canva will be focusing on flexibility and will not have any formal rules regarding office attendance.
Companies that embrace flexible work arrangements are likely to attract the best talent. Employees may not love the flexible work arrangement. While 94% would prefer to have more flexibility about their schedules and locations, 2/3 of knowledge workers report that they have very little or no flexibility over their hours.
Socializing reduces risk of employee theft
Socializing is a common problem among employees and the workplace, but it isn't the only cause. Employees can become distracted and use company time to start their own businesses or socialize with co-workers. Many workplaces are plagued by time theft. It is difficult to pinpoint the culprits. Employers can decrease the likelihood of time theft by offering flexible working hours to their employees.
This crime is so common that it has been a leading cause of business failures. In reality, this type of theft costs businesses billions of dollar each year. One estimate suggests that over 7% U.S. businesses are forced to close their doors due to employee theft. Over a third of employees have stolen at least once from their employers. Employees are responsible for two-thirds all cyber breaches.
Remain fully remote
When it comes to employees returning from leave, different organizations have seen different results. Some found it hard to manage the chaos, others were able access a wider talent pool. Although many companies may be open to allowing employees to work remotely from time to time, there are some factors to consider before you allow them to do so.
Currently, nearly three in ten companies are using some kind of fully remote work model. Another third plans to continue to employ full-time, on-site employees while the majority of others plan to shift to a hybrid work model.