Resuming work can be an emotional and stressful experience. Make sure you plan your commute each day and are familiar with the safety and work hours of your workplace to make it easier. It is possible to create a routine before you return to work. These steps will help to feel confident and prepared for your new role.
In-person meetings
As travel and meeting restrictions ease, in-person meetings are becoming more common. But they remain below pre-pandemic levels. Future-looking leaders are helping to redefine what constitutes 'normal'. After two years of working virtually, the first person-to-person meeting will likely bring relief but also anxiety to a team that has been virtual for nearly two years.
Virtual meetings can also have serious drawbacks. For example, virtual meetings may not allow people to see non-verbal cues, which comprise 80 percent of human communication. Virtual meetings are also more likely to exclude people with different communication styles. A Harvard Business Review study showed that people may be more comfortable talking up in virtual meetings. This could allow for greater inclusion.
Flexible return to office policy
The Bank of England says it will not make a u-turn on its flexible return-to-office policy. It cites individual circumstances and health concerns as reasons. Canva announced it will create a flexible work environment for its employees. Canva will be focusing on flexibility and will not have any formal rules regarding office attendance.
Flexible work arrangements can attract the best talent. But employees may not like the flexibility plan. While 94% of knowledge workers say they prefer more flexibility in their schedule and location, two-thirds of them say they have little or no flexibility in their hours.
Employee theft is reduced by socializing
Socializing is a common problem among employees and the workplace, but it isn't the only cause. When employees are distracted, they can be tempted to use company time to run their side businesses or to socialize with their co-workers. It is common for time theft to be a problem in workplaces. Unfortunately, it can often be difficult to identify the perpetrators. However, by providing employees with flexible schedules, employers can minimize the risk of time theft.
This type of crime is so widespread that it has become one of the most common causes of business failures. It can cost companies billions of dollars each year. One estimate states that employee theft accounts for over 7% in the U.S. business failures. More than a third have stolen from their employers at least once. Employees are responsible for two-thirds all cyber breaches.
Restricted access
When it comes to employees returning from leave, different organizations have seen different results. Some organizations found it difficult managing the chaos, while others discovered a larger talent pool. While most organizations are happy for employees who can work remotely, there are many factors that must be considered before they allow this.
Currently, nearly three in ten companies are using some kind of fully remote work model. Another third plan on continuing to hire full-time staff members on-site. Half of the remaining plans are to switch to hybrid models.