Working From the Office - A New Cool Perk?

I really miss going to the office. I’ve never worked for a company that was dog friendly, had ping pong tables in the break room or kegs of beer on tap. Perks to some, these things didn’t matter to me then, and they matter even less to me now. As governments around the world begin to release frameworks for the re-opening of economies, employers have begun similar exercises to look at how companies can safely return to offices. Hays Canada had our first planning session yesterday and I’m proud of how we are responding. As an architect, a leader, and an employee who is about to work within this framework – I am proud. We are putting employees first, second, and third on our priority list.  

I thought I’d share our framework as for at least the next year or so it will be the most important component of any Employer Value Proposition. 

Sanitation

Workstations, meeting rooms, and all other common areas need to be sanitized. But by who? How frequently? What is expected, what is required, and what is overboard? The answers to these questions will need to be fluid and probably location specific. What is absolute regardless of location is the need for disinfectant and other related cleaning supplies. Can your company secure the necessary supplies, and ensure you will always have a healthy, yet responsible stock on hand? 

Commute 

In high school, I always wanted to work downtown, and I still do today. I love the architecture, the energy, the people watching, and the proximity to my house. Spending minimal time on commuting to the office was always top of my priority list. Now, after 6 weeks of working from home and the commute back to my wife and kids just 18 stairs, the thought of my once - short by comparison to my colleagues’ commute - seems a world away. But distance is only half the battle. In a COVID-19 world, the thought of standing on a packed subway platform, before piling into a rush hour car for a 30 minute rumble is enough to give me a panic attack. Governments must address this concern. We need additional bus routes, more frequent trains, and better guidelines for how to ride safely. Until this is sorted, I’ll be walking to work, or driving to work and I am elated that all of our offices allow for this flexibility. 

Layout

The cost of corporate real estate, particularly in downtown cores has been so high that the top priority for interior design firms has been “how many desks can we fit in here?” Offices on shows like Mad Men or Suits have been a stark comparison to the reality of desks and cubicles we used for standardized testing in high school. Open concept, compact areas are here to stay and have far more benefits than negatives. I love these layouts for the collaboration, teamwork, comradery, and spontaneous laughter that it brings. Employers are being challenged to review their office layouts and make ethical changes without sacrificing social distancing, the previously mentioned benefits, or the underlying P&L. 

Internal Process and Policies

How many people are allowed in the kitchen at once? Or the elevator? Or, even the bathroom – are the stalls six feet apart? Maybe the walls make up for the four feet of spread? But they aren’t floor to ceiling – does that matter? I don’t know the answers to these questions and I’m not certain who does. There seems to be conflicting messages at the moment. For instance, we were first told to wear masks then later told that certain masks don’t actually help. Yet, now we must wear them at the grocery store. I know I feel safer when I’m wearing one. Maybe there is no perfect answer yet – but a policy that everyone abides by can create emotional safety in itself. Companies will need to listen closely to public policies, localize, and clearly communicate these requirements to staff. Knowing the plan, communicating effectively, and getting everyone on the bus are keys to success. 

Psychological Safety

You’ve got all of the Lysol wipes you need, your staff is safely walking to work, your desks are six feet apart and your policies beautifully rolled out. You’re all set, right? Picture this - the VP of Sales just got off of the elevator and coughed while entering the office. The room has frozen and everyone is looking at each other with fear in their eyes. They want to leave (because you have a flexible policy where if you don’t feel safe, you don’t have to be here), but it’s the VP! This is our new reality and entry level staff to senior leadership seem one and the same. COVID-19 knows no titles and no one is above the law. Despite the obvious of your leaders needing to lead, you need to create environments, and systems whereby staff can raise concerns without risk of criticism. It took a long time for the term ‘whistleblower’ to be positive. Corporate ethics around insider trading, environmental responsibility, and sexual harassment have come a long way because as a society we have finally collectively agreed on what is ‘right’. But with people who protest COVID related restrictions continuing to grow in numbers, we’re not quite there yet. What I think is inappropriate, you may consider acceptable. Who knows, maybe we’re both right. But employees need a system where their concerns can be heard, and addressed swiftly when it conflicts with your policy. 

This is our new and ever-changing world - at least for now. Over the last six weeks, employee interactions have been simple to monitor because almost all of us are working from home. But over the next few months I’m sure we will all return to work, and companies and their employees will have difficult choices to make. If an in demand candidate has a choice between two companies, the above will play a big role in their decision making. If you want the best staff, then be the best employer. I am proud to work at Hays, an organization that is truly passionate about people. We’re putting our staff first and I hope you and your employer do the same.  

Please send me a note if you’re looking for any help on your plan, or maybe just some insights as to how your sector is navigating this need. Everyone is in a similar position – let’s get better together. 

Travis O'Rourke - Hays Talent Solutions

Email – [email protected] 

Instagram - @hire.grounds

Twitter @travisorourke