Over the last couple of decades, workplace culture has become an important deciding factor when people consider which companies they want to work for. This means that the employee experience is something employers simply cannot ignore – but how has Covid-19 changed all that, and what should companies do to keep employees happy now?
No matter how you look at it, the pandemic has irrevocably changed the way we work. Many companies have considered going partly or fully remote once the crisis has passed, and that means redefining the employee experience. There are, however, numerous considerations to take into account.
No more 9 to 5
People working from home overwhelmingly agree that one of the best things about it is the flexibility it offers. For working parents, it means no more taking off whole sick days when a child has to stay home. For employees who are studying part-time, it means better control over their study time.
Every individual in your company will have their own, unique reason why working from home suits them – and there’s a good chance they might clash with your expectation as an employer. That’s why it is critical to understand your employees as humans. When you have a good grasp of their unique needs and wants, you can more effectively manage their productivity. You can also provide an atmosphere that fosters team cooperation, even at a distance.
Productivity and trust, not hours at a screen
Sadly, some companies reacted to the Covid-19 work from home requirements by monitoring employee presence. This often involved literally watching them via webcam, to ensure they were “at work”. This, however, does not guarantee productivity – just that they’re sitting there.
It’s a proven fact that, when left undisturbed, employees are significantly more productive. They work faster and more efficiently. You may find that some of your employees are able to finish their workload in just a few hours, while others take a bit longer. Stop measuring employee productivity by how long they sit at their desk, and start looking at their input and output instead.
But it isn’t just about being productive. Employers who constantly monitor or micromanage employees are not showing trust in their staff. When people don’t feel trusted, it leads to an unpleasant work experience – regardless of where they are doing their jobs. Remember – you are dealing with humans, adults who are capable of handling their jobs. That’s why you hired them, after all!
New setup, new culture
Whatever your company culture looked like before, when you embrace remote work, it will change. It is impossible to maintain the same culture in a remote setting as in an on site one. That said, you can absolutely transfer the best aspects of your company culture to the new situation. That includes things like open-door policies, recognition and awards, or anything that makes your company stand out as a great place to work.
We are only a very few short months into what everyone calls the “new normal”. Now is the best time to set up your work from home processes, systems and culture to make certain that every employee has a great work experience while still delivering on the productivity measures (KPIs) you require.
At Tenaka we believe in excellent employee experiences. A happy employee will deliver a great customer experience. A happy customer will come back again and again, impacting everyone’s lives for the better. Get in touch with us today if you would like assistance in creating an employee experience your employees will love you for.