Workplace flexibility
Workplace flexibility has been the topic of many news stories of late. Surveys being conducted around the world reflect the stark reality that flexibility preferences vary greatly among individuals and regions. There is a roughly even distribution among employees who prefer to go to the office every day, part-of-the-time and rarely at all. This creates a real challenge in trying to match personal preferences with what is needed to deliver on our company mission.
In the last 18 months, our employees, like people across the globe, have been put to the test. They’ve shown drive, resilience, adaptability and commitment. Many of our employees continued to work onsite every day during the pandemic to manufacture and distribute critical products or support our customers on the front lines of healthcare delivery. Other teams embraced flexible work practices and pivoted to virtual and remote meetings, training and collaboration.
We have learned a lot through this challenging time and it confirmed to us the importance of workplace flexibility. There are clear benefits to virtual work to our employees and customers. However, we have also felt many challenges, as onboarding, coaching and creative work are not as effective without some onsite presence. Our unique and special culture relies on a high-touch environment with strong personal relationships, where we can move quickly to learn and innovate. Our teams are determining the cadence of return to the office that will best suit their productivity, as it becomes safe to do so. We do expect that most of our employees will return to the office regularly—understanding that it will not likely be five days a week.
Offering localized approaches by region, country, and even offices allows for tailored workplace environments while factoring in local requirements. We trust our leaders to understand the needs of our employees and work together to identify solutions that work best for our customers, for our business, and for each other. By embracing workplace flexibility, we value the incredible talent and culture that makes Stryker a great place to work.
Chairman & CEO at Harrington Group Intl a revolutionary QMS software company Since 1991(33 years of Quality Software Products) that has done hundreds of millions in sales!
3 年Kevin, I just wanted to make sure the artwork and letter that I shipped to you made it to your office. It is a wall piece of caricature art that I thought you might enjoy. Please let me know if it made it to you in good condition. Have a fantastic day! Rick
NPI Quality Engineer at Freudenberg Medicals | ASQ, CQE Certified
3 年Thanks for sharing!
General Manager
3 年Under the circumstances caused by the Pandemic, the need to have flexibility was essential for a business to be empathetic to its office workforce by allowing them to work from home. Kudos need to go to those on the front lines that had to work daily in the plants to manufacture, ship and transport those goods so Americans could have products throughout the Pandemic. These employees had the same pressures and concerns as office personnel, but weren't afforded the luxury to work remote. Workers had the burden of wearing masks in sufficating heat and extreme cold to deliver goods to the American people and keep the lights on in businesses. Let's not forget these brave men and woman and thank them for a job well done during this most stressful time.
Dynamic, forward-thinking executive with global Medtech, Biotech, and Digital/Software experience, with an unwaivering passion to deliver break-through results
3 年Great article, Kevin! The pandemic let us learn to be successful in a virtual world and now we get to leverage the positives of both virtual and in-person work environments to maximize productivity and employee satisfaction. I appreciate you sharing your point of view.
I help companies exceed customer expectations through creating sound operations manuals and inspired teams while meeting KPI's. Account Manager | Customer Service Manager | Office Manager
3 年Workforce and schedule flexibility are the key to attracting and keeping great talent. I respect your perspective Mr. Lobo!