What Is The New Work Norm?
Updated: Oct 25, 2023
Written by: David Corsini, Executive Contributor
Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise.
The pandemic has changed the way we work in unprecedented ways. Industries across the globe have had to adapt to one of three situations – remote work, in-person work, or a mix of both. The workplace as we knew it has undergone a paradigm shift, and it's now up to businesses to adapt. As the world has recovered from the pandemic, how can you position yourself and/or your company to succeed?
Some companies have requested that employees come back to the office full-time, while others have allowed entire departments to work remotely. The one thing that has become clear, however, is that flexibility is key. Top talent has started to ask for the opportunity to work remotely, as they realize the flexibility that it provides, and many business owners also prefer the option of working remotely when they can.
A recent survey conducted by BBC revealed that 60% of people prefer a hybrid work model – with 2-3 days of remote work and the rest in the office. This is because people started to value freedom more, they want to be able to succeed in careers and enjoy their lives.
As businesses navigate this new era of work, it's more important than ever to prioritize flexibility. As a business owner, you need to understand that a rigid work culture will no longer cut it in the post-pandemic world. The most critical step towards success is adopting a flexible work culture that will cater to different employees' needs, including remote work, hybrid models, and in-person work.
Some people work better around people and others work better alone, without distractions. It's important to have some in-person work because that's usually when a team can perform the best, with everyone being in the same space at the same time. And it's important to understand that always being together can cause friction and hurt other people's performance. A hybrid model plays to both strengths.
The trend toward remote work has reshaped what employers expect from their employees. The focus has shifted from time-based productivity to a more results-based system. This system allows employees to deliver results without working for a prescribed number of hours. As a result, companies that have made the switch to a results-based system have improved employee satisfaction and retention rates.
Not all industries can support remote work, but those that can should seriously consider implementing it. Overhead expenses can be significantly reduced by adopting a remote work culture, and allowing employees to work from home will benefit the environment too.
The bottom line is companies that prioritize flexibility will have a competitive edge in the new era of work. As noted by Warren Bennis, "The person or element with the most flexibility in a system will have the most influence.” Businesses must understand that the future of work is flexible, and embrace it to succeed. It's a win-win for your employees and your business. It will not only increase productivity but also improve employee morale and satisfaction, ultimately leading to a stronger bottom line.
David Corsini, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine
After years of struggling to find his identity, David decided to go on a journey. With one question in mind, “Who am I supposed to be?” finally led him to his purpose. David Corsini is now a certified trainer & coach of Neuro Linguistic Programming, Public Speaker, Father, and Strategic Advisor. He is committed to unlocking the human code and teaching others how to access their genius and exponentially grow their business.
