When one thinks about the paradigm shift in work culture over the years, we see how it has diversified to become more employee centric. Instead of solely focusing on the customer experience, companies have turned their focus to the people who help them deliver the best: their employees. The employee centric approach is constantly evolving and companies are exploring tactics with which they can foster employee development.
The recent virus outbreak has surely caused a flux in the workforce mindset and paved way for the ever-popular Work From Home Culture. With businesses across the country having to ask their employees to work remotely, it has now shifted from a choice into a necessity. The adoption of a WFH policy has surely been a saviour for many industries during this tough time. Going forward everyone will have to habituate to remote working and companies must build a structure to implement the policy.
The straightforward benefits for the employees include flexible schedules, commute savings and reduced stress levels. Employees feel liberated to be working from the comfort of their homes hence this results in greater productivity. Furthermore, employees require more than just a pay-cheque to be motivated to give their best.
It is a win-win for both employers and employees
Prima facie it may look like the perks are subjected only to the employees but with time one realises how the business can thrive under this policy. Let’s talk about the financial benefits this culture musters for a company. The fixed cost for running a company is reduced, as this policy does not require a huge real estate investment and the variable expenses incurred are limited. The saved amount can be further invested towards employee welfare.
Many company operations can be outsourced and the finest of talents can be hired, as the location barrier is gone. There’s greater time value for money and the employee retention rate is much higher.
Unnecessary meetings and the ‘Water cooler effect’ isn’t going to be a problem anymore too.
Communication is key
How does one battle with the challenges this culture brings? / How does one implement a positive WHF culture? Since the WFH culture promotes employee welfare, the evident challenge remains as to how to ensure that the company values are preserved.
We are encouraging internal downward communication to spread awareness among employees. Departmental meetings are being held regularly and employees are maintaining individual worksheets and updating them with relevant tasks.
We encourage an environment of open communication and feedback as this does help streamline day-to-day activities. The success or failure of the remote team culture depends on how effective the communication is. This hack is a great way to battle the challenges in the office as well as outside of it.
Use the intermediate time
Due to the unpredictable nature of the virus, business activities are slowly coming to a hiatus. We are using this opportunity to strengthen our auxiliary services and get all out time consuming jobs out of the way. We’re pushing our employees to attend only workshops to further enhance their skills.
In addition, we are collating a solid and effective marketing strategy because when we do resume we will be firing on all cylinders. The aim is to have a clear focus and strategy so we can get back on track as soon as possible.
Weight in options
WFH is a tool necessary in times like these but it might not be feasible for an organisation to implement it as a full-time culture. Many organisations allow employees to work from home only during unavoidable circumstances. Companies simply cannot adopt remote culture because the business model may not allow them to or the employees fail to accustom to the culture. However, an employer could straddle the fence on this one till he determines what’s the most realistic option for the business.