As companies begin to settle into the new normal, many employees will be transitioning back to an office environment, which may prove challenging. In 2020, the pandemic re-shaped the working world and most workers came to embrace the flexibility and convenience of remote working, with employers having to adapt and change their strategies to manage their teams virtually. Businesses need to ensure they provide a productive and safe environment for their returning employees. But how? Below are some key considerations businesses leaders need to take into account.

Offer flexibility 

In the post COVID-19 world, flexibility has become all the more important for employees. Flexible working helps achieve a greater work-life balance and increases the feeling of personal control which can only have a positive impact on employee morale. Businesses must offer a flexible transition plan to employees, such as a hybrid model or giving workers the choice of which days to come into the office. With remote working now a cornerstone of the working world, flexible work arrangements will likely have an impact on an organisation’s ability to retain the top talent. Today, more employees will be looking for flexible working opportunities when seeking new roles, so businesses must adapt to this demand to avoid losing key talent.

Prioritise culture

In the transition back to the office, companies must focus on maintaining as well as improving company culture. This can serve as an excellent way to support employees as they transition back to the office. For example, businesses could focus more on communicating the goals and objectives while encouraging a positive attitude. As people return to the office, leaders should consider encouraging team brainstorming and collaboration to increase in-person relationships. Ensuring employees are engaged and connected with the overall company culture is key for organisational success.

Focus on worker safety and guidelines

For most companies, social distancing in the workplace will need to be taken into account. According to Swiss info, more than 99% of companies in Switzerland has complied with COVID rules. It’s important to be as transparent as possible about any changes in the workplace, including safety protocols and policies, as well as letting employees know how many people will be in the office at one time. Leaders should proactively alert their team about health and safety to help them stay informed, which can create an extra level of trust during the transition back to the office. It’s important that health and well-being are built into the work environment, which can certainly help maximise productivity and performance. 

Outline expectations

There’s no doubt that the pandemic has changed the way employees work as well as their expectations of the workplace. Employers will need to accommodate the changing needs and expectations of employees while creating an effective system of communication that supports the company culture. This means businesses need to be transparent about what they want from employees coming back to the office after working from home. Not every single member of staff will be in the office on the same day, so businesses need to ensure employees continue to utilise digital tools for daily conversations. This also means outlining expectations to the leadership teams and intentionally designing structures in the workplace that alleviate any stress and help people become more successful.

How Swisslinx can help your business

At Swisslinx, we have a highly experienced team of recruitment consultants, specialising in a range of markets, such as financial services, digital and technology, and healthcare and life sciences. We have access to global talent and we’re able to offer the best recruitment advice and expertise. Our consultants are dedicated to delivering a top-quality service for our clients and candidates, and we pride ourselves on the relationships we’ve built over the years. If you’d like to get in touch, please contact us today for more information.