Workplace expectations have changed in six key ways, and so should how you lead

The World Health Organization may have declared the global pandemic over, but its effects will be around for a long time. Not just from a medical and health perspective, but also from its impact on the world of work. Expectations – those of your clients, customers, employees and managers – have changed, which has significant implications on how you interact with your staff.

If you’re operating with an approach that is still driven by the pre-pandemic environment, then you’re setting yourself (and your people) up to fail. The workplace mindset has changed. Events that have occurred since March 2020 have influenced how people think and function, and these changes are here to stay. If you’re not prepared to adapt how you lead to accommodate these, then you’re going to impair your ability to manage, to get things done through other people.

There are six key shifts that have occurred over the last more than two years that are substantial enough that you cannot overlook them. None of them should be a surprise, but don’t let their simplicity or their prevalence cause you to disregard them. In fact, ignore them at your peril.

Remote and hybrid work is here to stay

The pandemic forced countless organizations to adopt remote work models, and for many, it has proven to be an effective way of maintaining productivity while promoting work-life balance. While many have continued with remote work as a primary option, others have adopted hybrid work models, which offer the flexibility of remote work while still allowing for in-person collaboration. Unless there is an unequivocal reason that requires a full return-to-office model at your company, you will be hard-pressed, not to mention at a competitive disadvantage, if you insist otherwise.

There is an increased use and a comfort with technology

With remote and hybrid work becoming par for the course, the use of technology has become increasingly important. Despite steep learning curves that may have existed in the early months of the pandemic, today almost everyone is conversant in video conferencing, online collaboration and electronic project management tools. Employees are increasingly looking for these types of online aids, so much so that virtual collaboration has become essential. To keep pace, organizations are investing in new tools and technologies to ensure that their teams can be connected and productive, even from a distance.

There is a greater emphasis on mental health and wellness

Not only did the pandemic bring mental health and wellness to the forefront, but it also removed much of the negative stigma that has historically been attached to stress and mental illness. ...

This was originally published as one of my regular columns in The Globe and Mail on August 25, 2023. If you have a subscription, you can read the rest on their site here: https://bit.ly/3RhleuL . And if you don't, a pdf version is archived here: https://www.turningmanagersintoleaders.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/GM_ManagementOnline_082523.pdf