As virus variants like omicron continue to dictate working conditions, the reality of permanent remote and mixed model workforces have made their way firmly onto CHRO’s agendas. Poised for a return to work that didn’t happen, people leaders fought for autonomy and fiscal support to keep workers engaged. And employees—after long months of a challenging lockdown—want purpose and transparency in work, or they may make a move to greener pastures.
People strategies have emerged as pivotal to growth. And your customers will continue wanting an experience that evolves with emerging technology. The need to utilize data, upskill in the face of advancing digital transformation and manage productivity amidst concern over third party suppliers and employee migration mean CHRO’s should flex in 2022.
Businesses are set for a return to growth. Keep an eye on 4 ways to manage your dynamic workforce to make sure you are, too.
Making smart moves in four key areas can help position your organization to rebuild revenue and emerge stronger:
Your strategy
Your people
Your customers
Your workplaces
Some offices will reopen and many will have a permanently changed landscape, as mixed model work becomes the norm. Offer vaccine availability and make sure your people feel safe if they are in-office. And since proximity bias can become a real concern among in-office and hybrid workers, management needs to practice inclusivity that extends to all employees. Keep workplaces clean for on-again, off-again occupancy. And work across lines of service to deliver upskilling opportunities to your team for what comes next.
What strategies do you have in place now—like offering opportunities for input, work flexibility, upskilling and help, on-site or remote, to address employee well-being—that make workers feel included?
What forward-looking strategies can you begin working on for the future?
Your strategy
Your people
Your customers
Your workplaces
As consumer confidence increases and people return to in-person experiences, expect increased demand for services and experiences, fueling opportunities for new business models. Combine people and the right technologies to help drive business outcomes. At the same time, look at where you can optimize costs and consider how you can balance workforce investments with automation as you redesign work.
As you look ahead, ask: What’s the company’s plan for upskilling our people and ramping up business as demand increases?
Your strategy
Your people
Your customers
Your workplaces
Consider, too, the makeup of your workforce and workplace as you look ahead. Over the next year, more than half of executives are planning to consolidate premier office space, expand into the suburbs or create satellite offices. As you enter the phase of long-term decision-making, be sure to lean into your company’s culture and values.
As you enter a post-pandemic world, ask: How can we prepare our organization for future disruptions?
Your strategy
Your people
Use the trust you’ve earned to help your people adapt quickly and confidently to anticipated changes.
Your customers
Your workplaces
Give up long-term leases and invest in tools for permanent hybrid or remote work.
