Adjusting To The New Workplace

Well before we ever heard of Covid-19, the business landscape was already changing dramatically. No one could have predicted how the pandemic would accelerate that process. Now our job is to acknowledge and adjust to our new business reality.

Millennials — who are predicted to make up 75% of the workforce by 2025 (though not everyone agrees) — were already firmly in favor of a flexible work environment. In fact, a Deloitte study found that nearly three-quarters said a policy that allowed them to work from home or remotely was important.

Flexibility Rules

The old nine-to-five may be gone forever. The pandemic showed just how unnecessary it is to pen people into a traditional office setting and hold them captive for a set amount of time. Many of today’s employees will continue working from home and around their children’s schedules — and if those kids are homeschooled, things can get really tricky. Maybe they’ll work from 8-11 a.m., again from 1-3 p.m. and then pick up once more in the evening after the kids go to bed.

This calls for a new style of leadership to manage, inspire and motivate employees remotely:

? Stay flexible. As long as the work is getting done, let your people know it’s okay to set their own schedule.

? Set clear expectations with measurable and specific daily, weekly and 30-day goals for each employee. Keep everyone accountable with five-minute video-call huddles.

? Leave Zoom (or whatever collaboration service you’re using) open so anyone can hop on and ask a question — and get a quick answer.

? Follow up with your team often, but don’t micromanage. Rather than demand, “What did you do all day?” say, “Is there anything you need from me?” Remind your workers that you are there for them — albeit not physically.

? Your employees may start getting restless and bored in isolation. It’s only natural to miss the watercooler moments. Keep them engaged and connected with company updates, ongoing training and brainstorming sessions.

? Practice empathy. There’s a reason you’re a leader. Project calm, and keep in mind that some people find the pandemic a lot more stressful than others.

Dealing With The Revolving Door

Another major challenge for today’s managers? Young workers just don’t stay put like they used to. A Gallup study found that 60% of millennials are open to a different job opportunity and that 36% report that "they will look for a job with a different organization in the next 12 months if the job market improves."

What’s an employer to do with these job hoppers? The smart ones will acknowledge the reality and make the most from it. Don’t be the kind of boss who only hears what they want to. Embrace an honest, transparent relationship with your workers:

? We all know the clock is ticking, so why pretend it isn’t? Let millennials know you are fine with their three-year exit plan, if they have one — but in return, they must document, digitize and make videos of everything they do to leave for you and their replacement.

? Keep them engaged. Non-engagement is a major reason millennials seek greener pastures, says Gallup, which found that only 29% of millennials are "emotionally and behaviorally connected to their job and company." Just over half, 55%, are not engaged, says Gallup. Scarily, "another 16% are actively disengaged, meaning they are more or less out to do damage to their company."

? Have them sit in on the hiring process for their replacement, and, most importantly, have them train that person.

? When they do leave, throw them a party and wish them the best — you’ll be hearing from them with future business because you made their experience with you so positive.

Business has changed forever. People have come to realize that they don’t have to wake up, jump out of bed and head out into the world, racing and multitasking at all times. We now see that it’s an exhausting and often counterproductive way to get things done.

We have come to appreciate the quiet times, the chance to catch our breath and give deep thought to our actions and goals. I believe these new values will stay intact even after a Covid-19 vaccine is in place. And I believe I am far from alone in embracing this new era of balance.

Think big!