The Post-Pandemic Workplace: A Shift Towards Isolation

"What did I do today?"- "Hours and hours in teams or Zoom meetings". Does that sound familiar for you as a leader?

I have been working with several companies and leaders of different sectors in the last couple of years. A very interesting finding emerged by working closely to some of them: several leaders can't find time to properly dedicate to their team members. In addition, team members have lost the habit of team work and they find (especially younger generations) extremely difficult to work with other people (especially in matrix organization) and foster teamwork.

During the pandemic, virtual meetings have become an essential tool to keep contacts and ensure collaboration among team members. Often, even among friends.

However, when pandemic was over (and even when most of the people got back to physical workplace), a noticeable shift has emerged: employees are increasingly working in isolation. Long hours of meetings on strategy, margins and profits, have been derailing the leaders from their original and most important mission: achieve results through their teams. Thus, it's surprising the lack of understanding among leaders about the importance of prioritizing their teams. Many leaders seem unable to find the time to support their employees adequately.

The Role of Leadership

Effective leadership is crucial in fostering a collaborative and supportive work environment. However, many leaders today are struggling to prioritize their teams. Caught up in their own responsibilities and the pressures of navigating business results expectations, they often overlook the need to engage with and support their employees. This lack of attention can lead to disengaged teams and diminished productivity.

The Matrix Organization Challenge

Matrix organizations, which involve reporting to multiple managers across different functions, add another layer of complexity to team dynamics. While this structure can enhance flexibility and resource allocation, it can also create confusion and conflict. Young professionals, in particular, find it challenging to navigate these complexities, often searching for individual problem-solving strategies. This individualistic approach can undermine the benefits of teamwork and collaboration. Result, several young talents do not know how to work and collaborate with their colleagues or with external teams.

The Benefits of Teamwork

Despite these challenges, the benefits of working in teams remain significant to increase efficiency, to reward morale and job satisfaction, but also to develop new skills.

Focusing on People

Leaders must prioritize their teams, ensuring they have the support and resources needed to succeed. They should also lead a renewed vision of working together, even when we are physically in different places. This involves regular check-ins, providing opportunities for collaboration, and fostering a culture of open communication.

Moreover, organizations should encourage a holistic approach to work, where team members work together to solve problems rather than seeking individual solutions. By doing so, companies can create a more cohesive, innovative, and productive work environment.

Leaders who understand and act on this will be better positioned to navigate the complexities of the modern work environment, ultimately driving their teams and organizations to greater success.