Lisa Bruno Guard

Since early 2020 when COVID abruptly interrupted life as usual, including that of the business world, nothing has been the same from one day to the next. Almost two years later, both businesses and individuals are still adapting to constant changes.

Whether it’s a new mandate on how we can conduct business or a 9 p.m. text message that kids are learning remotely effective immediately, both businesses and their employees are forced to find new ways to make it work.

We’ve seen a shift in individual priorities and for many individuals. While still important, work is no longer at the top of that list.

Conversely, for companies whose primary focus may have been profitability in the past, without people their profitability is jeopardized. Prioritizing the health and well-being of our workforce, while historically a high priority, has become front and foremost, surpassing that of the bottom line.

What can we expect moving forward? What do businesses expect? What do job candidates and employees expect?

One thing comes to mind for certain — expect the unexpected. Therefore both businesses and individuals must remain prepared to pivot.

Now, more than ever, there is one thing in common that both businesses and employees need from one another — and that is flexibility.

Job candidates and employees desire and expect more flexibility in work arrangements. We continue to see remote work arrangements a more permanent component of the work scene, where possible. One way for businesses to prepare to combat absenteeism in the future is to equip employees for remote work, if possible. When kids are learning remotely or when someone tests positive but is asymptomatic, it is entirely possible for them to be productive if remote work is an option.

Not all business is conducive to remote work and on-site employees expect clean, safe work environments and more flexibility with scheduling. To accommodate, businesses are responding with reconfigured workspaces, common areas and the implementation of staggered shifts and breaks, as well as safety policies and procedures, like cleaning breaks and the provision of personal protective items such as masks, sanitizers, etc.

For many in the workforce work-life balance, sense of purpose and compassion have risen in status equal to monetary compensation and businesses are rising to that challenge by providing more flexible work arrangements, shifting to more creative and flexible time off policies, and focusing more on the health and well-being of employees and their families.

Not just physical well-being, but there is also a new emphasis on mental well-being. Employees are also desiring and expecting clear vision and communication from employers. They want to know exactly what is expected of them in terms of results and have a more renewed interest in the bigger picture as they’re experiencing stress when uncertain about their employers’ plans for the future.

Businesses that adopt a more transparent and inclusive culture to keep anxious employees at ease will likely experience greater employee retention and productivity.

With flexible work arrangements, especially remote work, businesses expect employees to stay on top of the technology curve required to get the job done, and are providing equipment and training to enable them. On-site employees can expect to learn more skills as they are expected cover for those who may be off temporarily or to bridge the ever-growing skills gap, and businesses are increasingly providing cross-training and reskilling opportunities.

We can certainly continue to expect the unexpected.

Both businesses and individuals alike will need to continue to adapt and overcome new challenges, finding new resources and technologies to make it work.

And the common denominator each needs, not just to survive but to thrive moving forward, is FLEXIBILITY.

Lisa Bruno Guard is president of Specialized Staffing & Industry Recruiters.