The shape of work in a post-Covid world

By Veronica Donovan New Business Account Executive

A person sits at a desk in an office, working on a computer. There's a plant and notebooks on the desk, with large windows behind.

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Last week saw the return of thousands of employees to the workplace, as offices began welcoming their staff back as restrictions eased up, allowing attendance to the office for specific business needs. From the 22^nd of October, the regulations will scale back further, and we will see the requirement to work from home eradicated[1].

One certain thing is that the pandemic has fundamentally changed the way many workplaces operate. Many employers have had the challenge of creating a new working model, with lots of factors to consider when formalising a structure to put in place.

Below are some of the interesting trends and developments that are shaping work post pandemic:

Hybrid workforce

A hybrid workforce is a type of blended workforce comprising of employees who work remotely and those who work from a centralised office or hub. This approach offers employees more flexibility when it comes to where and how they work, which in turn can have a positive impact on work-life balance, attract more talent and increase retention.

However, a blended working model is not without its negatives. As many staff will have the option of returning to the office on a hybrid basis, this may cause difficulty in ensuring good communication between teams. But there are ways to keep a hybrid team communicating clearly and effectively and still cultivate a sense of togetherness, such as creating more opportunities for team discussions or more engagement with management.

Workable solutions

There are many benefits of return-to-work plans for both the employer and the employee. Employers can enjoy increased employee engagement, proactive cost containment, reduced turnover, increased communication, and improved morale with proper planning and establishing a strong ‘border’ between work and home life. This aspect will play a central role in the return to the office.

More focus on mental health

Many employees returning to the office may find this a stressful experience, especially after such a long period of working remotely.

Consequently, businesses will need to employ a range of measures from supporting employees to regain an effective work-life balance and addressing fears about the return to work, as well as understanding specific concerns of individual team members so they can best support their mental wellbeing.

Encouraging employees to speak about the challenges they anticipate will help to reassure employees about any environmental changes they may face in the office.

Looking to the future

Through trial and error, open communication with employees and a solid set of company values, businesses will be able to determine the best way to continue to support their teams.

1https://www.citizensinformation.ie/en/employment/return_to_work/returning_to_work_and_covid19.html

2 https://www.irishlifehealth.ie/blog/preparing-for-work-in-a-post-covid-world

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