“The way we work has fundamentally changed and much like squeezed toothpaste, it’s near impossible to put things back to the way they were before the pandemic.”
—Tanveer Naseer
We’re working remotely and from all indicators, we’re never going back to the way things were. Some leaders don’t like it. Some employees don’t like it. But, like that infamous genie out of the bottle, we’re not going to put things back to the old ways.
Address current challenges
What kind of changes are you noticing in your organization? Are employees happy about remote work—or do they feel isolated? Are people longing for social contact and delighted to have some days in the office, while working from home at other times?
Many companies are realizing that virtual work teams have different dynamics. It’s not an instant one-size-fits-all kind of solution. Some people and projects will work creatively in a hybrid arrangement, while others may thrive with more direct contact.
Instead of trying to force-fit solutions, involve your employees. Ask individuals what kinds of training, tools, and techniques they need to do things differently. You’ll uncover the best suggestions of how to be more efficient, innovative, and productive.
Make the best hiring decisions
As a leader, manager, or CEO, you’ll ask yourself questions about your team. In light of new working conditions, you will have different kinds of questions about new hires. In this environment, it helps to do a fast background check.
Many organizations are working with professional services to handle background checks most efficiently and easily. Reliable services are available so you can do background checks as needed, without having to sign a complex contract, pay a sign-up fee, or make an exclusivity agreement.
In addition to a fast background check, you’ll want to explore unique skill sets. New hires will need to have stellar communication skills, virtual prowess, and the ability to self-motivate while working remotely. These skills are not new, but they are now elevated in importance.
Become a better communicator
As leaders, we sometimes make the mistake of thinking that communication is only about what we express. We focus on coaching and training for performance, presentations, and giving compelling statements to the press. But, the truth is that expressing is only one part of the equation.
We need to work on our listening skills. Are we hearing what employees are experiencing? Are we listening closely to their suggestions—and not simply offering a suggestion box as a polite gesture.
As we’ve seen recently, we are facing huge issues of attrition and we must work hard to protect our organizations. The skill to embrace is complete and transparent communication.
Create an empowering workplace
A funny thing happens when you’re being an authentic leader. You realize that you don’t know all the answers. You may have some of the pieces… but you need other people to put the whole puzzle together. This is why the best leaders like to lead from behind.
They like to put their employees front and center, and not take credit for things that are truly group innovation. When you put employees in charge of creating, designing, refining, and experimenting something beautiful happens. You won’t keep doing the same old thing.
You won’t worry about trying to get the toothpaste back into the tube or the genie back into the bottle. Instead, you’ll find that you’ll look at challenges in a new light. You’ll see problems as opportunities to create, invent, and find new solutions.
Innovate new hybrid arrangements
In many ways, the issue of hybrid work is the ideal place to practice your innovation skills. Use your imagination and resources to help employees be the most productive, connected, and happy.
Many organizations are using work-from-home needs to inspire different kinds of support. These may include some or all of these, as well as ones that are unique to your employees and organization:
- Help setting up functional home offices. Furnishings, lights, computers, and IT support make it easier for employees to work from home productively.
- Resources on how to stay active while working from home.
- Access to mental health professionals to reduce stress and confidentially discuss issues.
- Webinars, training, and virtual access to stress reduction such as yoga, Pilates, and mindfulness practices.
- Inclusion on projects, meetings, and client presentations for remote and in-office employees.
Talk with your employees to find out what kind of support they need to be successful. You’ll find fresh ideas and compelling proposals that can help take your company forward to greater heights.