#Workfromhome: The question is not just which model to choose but to help at least those returning in a meaningful way

Both employers & employees gain from a coach’s handholding in navigating the many work possibilities post COVID19

After a long hiatus, companies across the nation are trying to get back their employees to office . For almost two years, Work from Home (WFH) allowed for some kind of personalization, flexibility, and most importantly saved time and energy spent on commuting. However, getting employees back to the normal state seems harder than imagined.

One of the most common sentiments shared among the workforce remains that working together with fellow teammates has undeniable benefits on mental wellbeing and overall productivity. But questions remain. ‘Could it be a mix of both like in a hybrid model? Some companies have even suggested satellite offices near employee homes as opposed to a big corporate office!

Photo caption: Since employer and employees as well find it hard to figure the best way ahead, it is best to seek outside support

Much like fighting COVID19, getting employees back to work is a difficult and an unknown path to tread as we have never seen anything like this before. Hence, the need of the hour for organisations is to take it step by step with empathy. It is well known that empathy is one the most important leadership skills , which brings about improvements in innovation, engagement and also retention, one of the biggest issues faced by companies across industries. ?

On one hand, we have growing concerns regarding employee attrition. A recent survey, which covered 620 companies, shows that of the 10 respondents, at least 6 were ready to resign instead of returning to the office. On another hand, one of India’s leading travel ecommerce websites reported how an enabling leadership and culture was the reason 30-40 employees who had quit in the pandemic asked if they could re-join!

In such circumstances, listening remains a key for companies to gain employee trust. Naturally, business that have struggled to come out from the COVID related losses may use some outside support in the form of coaching. It is not just company heads who may benefit from support, but even employees.

It is clear that the recent announcement by Airbnb has shown us the possibilities of work in the future are real, even if so far unimagined. While the future must be acknowledged, our day-to-day needs are equally urgent. Think of creative jobs, for instance, where the complexity of ideation needed can suffer a lot without face-to-face interaction. This is likely why most advertising agency and management consulting employees are back to office, as per suggested reports. Hence, customization of the solution, be it a small business or a huge team is the need of the hour.

For instance, if you think hybrid is the road for you, keep in mind the long-term side effects of WFH. There are many indications and reports of increasing loneliness, work life balance fluctuations and even health issues such as obesity. Try to encourage employees to engage in off hours in socialising. Playing games has proven to be one of the best stress busters. Besides, the benefits of team bonding as we know are plenty, from increased productivity, to better morale and motivation.

Moreover, let us not forget that a major percentage of India’s workforce is young (18-25 years of age) and it is critical for them to have support from peers and seniors. Working from home for those entering the workforce means missing out on developing life skills. Most leaders will agree that the early years of one’s career, collaborative work and feedback from seniors helps in growth, personal and professional.

If traditional work settings feel archaic, that’s also because of technological improvements, including cloud-based work collaboration and digital focussed process and systems. Nevertheless, it is undeniable that companies need to invest in digital processes as well as a culture that is transparent and democratic.

In such difficult times, a business coach can become both a sounding and resting board for all stakeholders. The most important point remains that the business that have a clear vision and have led with empathy will gain and recover faster from such professional guidance and support.?