Resuming work can be an emotional and stressful experience. Make sure you plan your commute each day and are familiar with the safety and work hours of your workplace to make it easier. You can also make a routine and then practice it before going back to work. These steps will help make sure you are prepared and confident for the new job.
In-person meetings
As travel and meeting restrictions ease, in-person meetings are becoming more common. However, they are still far below their pre-pandemic counterparts. Future-looking leaders are helping to redefine what constitutes 'normal'. After two years of working virtually, the first person-to-person meeting will likely bring relief but also anxiety to a team that has been virtual for nearly two years.
Virtual meetings can also have serious drawbacks. For example, virtual meeting may not allow people see non-verbal communication cues. These are 80 percent of human communication. Also, virtual meetings can exclude people who have different communication styles. One Harvard Business Review study discovered that some people are more comfortable speaking out in virtual meetings. This may help to increase inclusion.
Flexible policy on return-to-the office
According to the Bank of England, it won't change its flexible return-to office policy. It cites individual circumstances and health concerns as reasons. Canva is now offering flexible work arrangements for its employees. The company will emphasize flexibility and eliminate formal office attendance rules.
Companies that embrace flexible work arrangements are likely to attract the best talent. This plan may not be popular with all employees. 94% say they would prefer more flexibility regarding their location and their schedule, but two-thirds say they are limited or not allowed to adjust their hours.
Socializing reduces employee theft
Although socializing is a problem in the workplace and among employees, it's not the only reason. Employees who are distracted can feel tempted to use company-provided time to manage their side businesses or socialize. Many workplaces are plagued by time theft. It is difficult to pinpoint the culprits. Employers can limit the possibility of time theft if they offer flexible scheduling options to employees.
This kind of crime is so common it has become one cause of business insolvency. In reality, this type of theft costs businesses billions of dollar each year. According to one estimate, over 7% of U.S. businesses go out of business due to employee theft. And more than a third of employees have stolen from their employer at least one time. Employees are responsible for two-thirds all cyber breaches.
Resting completely remote
Organizations have had varying results when it comes to their employees returning to the office from time off. 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.
Nearly three out ten companies currently employ a remote working 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.