The Managerial Minute: Maintaining Structure with a Flexible Workforce

The workplace is changing. No longer do you see the majority of businesses confining employees to an 8-to-5, brick-and-mortar office space. Now, more companies are opting for remote, work-from-home options and flexible schedules. If the global pandemic caused by the COVID-19 virus taught business leaders anything it’s this—maintaining productivity is more about the what, not the where. During the past year, many employers were forced to move their workforces to a remote solution to regulate social distancing protocols and health-related restrictions. During this time, businesses received first-hand knowledge on the efficacy of remote work. And with 52% of companies saying their workforce is more productive while working remotely, according to a PwC study, it looks like the remote work option in some form is likely here to stay.

With the shift in the way we do business, many new challenges come, including maintaining structure with the new normal. The most recent change leaders have seen is the proliferation of the hybrid workforce. This is the consolidation of workers in one organization who work in different capacities, including an in-office staff, remote workforce, semi-work-from-home solutions, flexible hours, etc. In the past, leaders focused on one specific type of workplace situation. In today’s modern office, businesses are managing multiple employee conditions. To ensure a productive workforce that maintains morale, engagement, and overall structure, consider these solutions.

Utilize a Project Management System

While many company’s have moved past pushing papers in the office and have adopted digital workforce solutions, it’s more important now than ever to adopt a universal system within your company to ensure consistency and uniformity. Utilizing a project management system may be the best solution to avoid departments using different approaches to tracking and submitting projects. And while businesses bring back employees to the office, the digitalization of work that made remote employees successful during the pandemic should be a solution that is adopted moving forward. With a hybrid workforce, moving everything to a digital platform will help maintain structure across your organization.

Continue Using Video Conferencing

When offices were forced to move toward work-from-home solutions during the past year, video conferencing platforms like Zoom and Microsoft Teams helped businesses stay connected like never before. Although not new technology, the adoption of video conferencing changed the way meetings are conducted. To ensure a unified approach toward meetings, planning, and brainstorming, incorporate the digital platform your standard practice so participants can easily attend whether they are in-person or remote.

Embrace the New Normal

As a business leader, it is imperative to maintain structure, productivity, and a competitive edge. And while some may be eager to move back toward the way organizations operated before the COVID-19 pandemic, it is important to embrace the evolved techniques that have become integrated in our systems. Utilizing flexible employment solutions is at the heart of the new, everchanging workforce, and innovation like this is key to sustained success. Continuing to seek opportunities to grow in these areas will be the modus operandi for the future.

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