Recently we attended a seminar discussing our evolving ways of working and how many of us are now working in a hybrid or remote setting. But this of course poses benefits alongside some challenges.
With a huge amount of HR professionals experiencing burnout. A whopping 98% according to a recent Gallop poll, the wellbeing of teams could never be more important. And that’s for everyone, even those arranging the support and wellbeing for others. You and your HR departments are having to move incredibly quickly and become agile as situations evolve. No wonder it’s stressful.
On the back of the pandemic and the cost of living crisis, a lof of us are struggling in all aspects of our worlds and that includes, of course, our working environments. Recent circumstances have taught us that perhaps we don’t want to have to struggle into work every day and that perhaps flexibility could work for both the employer and employee. There is no going back to how things were, and that isn’t necessarily a bad thing. But change doesn’t always make things easy.
As you know, there is greater difficulty in recruiting people and retaining great people. Candidates don’t necessarily want a traditional role anymore; it simply doesn’t fit into their lives in the same way work once did. Portfolio careers are on the up and many of us are enjoying a side hustle or two. (Me included! Painting anyone?) This could be down to passion for a subject, or simply financial necessity.
This state of flux and evolving ways of working can bring with it, new emerging skills as we all become more agile. May we all begin to recognise difference and celebrate it!
Tech is ever moving, AI is now commonplace in the workplace, and we have very probably only just scratched the surface there.
All of these situations are change and there is challenge in change management. Employees want more, and suddenly it isn’t good enough to simply exist as a company and offer some benefits or go through the wellbeing motions. We are becoming more selective, many of us want to work with a company whose morals align with our own, perhaps we seek work with purpose?
Clocking in and clocking out is old hat, many roles are outcome based now and offer new ways of engagement.
Read more about systemic factors here.
But, how do you bring everyone along for the ride? How can you recognise the individual amongst all of the noise for change?
By, taking time to stop, pause and reflect and investing in experiential wellbeing training that has a tangible outcome is important. Space needs to be made to let all voices be heard. We are collectively navigating interesting waters and yet the individual, yes that’s you, matter! Perhaps this is more important than at any time in our working worlds.
Aristotle said; “The whole is more than the sum of its parts.” And if you begin to remove difference or new ways of working then we will struggle to move forward and have healthy and productive workplaces. Benefits have to work both ways if we are to remain engaged and purposeful.
