The Post-Pandemic Future of Work
The post-pandemic future of work promises to be an exciting and evolving landscape. The recent pandemic has thrown the world's concept off balance, but it is starting to reveal some surprises as we move through this time in history where humans will have less leisure time on our hands than they used to before catching up with old routines again.
While some believe that we need to work together every day for bonding and personal growth, others feel disconnected from their coworkers when they cannot see each other face-to-face.
Harvard Business School Study
A new paper from Harvard Business School weighs in on this debate by suggesting how important one or two office-based weeks per month can be. Study subjects who had just such setups reported higher job satisfaction than those without access.
Over nine weeks in 2020, researchers assigned more than 100 human resources employees to one of three different work schedules. One group spent zero and eight days at their desk over a period that lasted up until they left for vacation; another had 9-14 hour shifts with 1 - 2 day breaks every other week (working 14 total); while the thirdly got 15+ hrs per day offsite including lunchtime pickup service from restaurant chains like Chipotle or pizza delivery.
According to Researchers
The group that spent one to two days at the office each week produced more original work than the other two groups, according to researchers. Managers also rated this output as higher quality, and managers gave them an A on their ability when it came time for supervision. In addition, they seemed happier with what they were doing, which is always good.
The report found that workers who work in the intermediate group enjoyed greater flexibility, were less isolated than their colleagues across all three categories, and reported higher satisfaction with both working from home and a better balance between life at-home versus office hours.
There's No Doubt
Most executives want employees to return full-time and work exclusively in person. But how will this new trend impact company culture? Companies are split when it comes to their post-coronavirus work plan. Some, like Apple and Google, for example, take a hard line by requiring employees at least part-time return back into the office. Others, such as Goldman Sachs, offer more flexibility to find a balance between home life versus career goals.
The flexibility to work at home full-time is becoming more common among employers. This allows employees the opportunity for a successful career and family life!
Furthermore
Nine in ten employees wanted the option of full-time remote employment, and many Goldman Sachs staff were ignoring their return office policy. In contrast, others at Apple plan on quitting if there is no flexibility within location settings. That fact is that with the rise of technology, companies have been allowing their employees more flexibility. Working from home includes either full-time or part-time and can be a great way to take care of your health while still doing what's best in terms of productivity!
When you're ready to go back into the office, make sure your workspace is equipped with those essential tools. You'll need a place that can offer both work and life balance for an ultimate return-to-work experience!