We've been sharing articles on the pros and cons of work-from-home assignments for weeks. You can see them on our blog page.
The conundrum continues. Recently the Wall Street Journal reported "Bosses Push Back on WFH Die-Hards" after publishing "Remote Work Sticks for All Kinds of Jobs" just a few days earlier.
The boss's concerns center around innovation and developing a culture that retains and develops the required talent. Think project work and those tasks that thrive on team input. Face-to-face work improves communication and belonging. It is less efficient, but it also enhances learning. Teams with a mix of experience, knowledge, and wisdom spread it around. That sprouts innovation and improves outcomes. It is a competitive edge that keeps talent engaged and employed.
Zoom calls are no substitute. Psychologists show that gestures, hand movements, and eye contact improve human communication and learning. Imagine trying to teach a child without it. You have experienced Zoom call participants who disengage during group discussions.
Routine tasks that require one-on-one interaction are more effective and efficient for work-from-home. Think customer service or personal consultation tasks. If the employee already has the knowledge, experience, and wisdom, they can efficiently and effectively share it with the customer.
Experienced Work-from-home customer service and consultative employees can be effective in a Zoom call. They also move from call to call with little wasted time.
There are also organizational costs. Work-from-home employees don't share experiential knowledge with other employees. They may not learn about product or service changes. They are less likely to innovate. Isolation from the organization leaves them as a cog in the machine. What keeps them when the repetition causes burnout?
For the next few years, isolation may be the most significant issue bosses must address. We are trying to hire new workers, who tend to be GenZ, without the experience required to work from home. Experienced talent is retiring in record numbers.
GenZ is already too isolated. Worldwide mental health surveys show today's 25-year-olds score lower than every other generation at the same age. Psychologist Jean M. Twenge attributes that to social media in her 2023 book titled "Generations." Chapter six, "Generation Z (Born 1995-2012)." She makes a strong case.
Our clients know that our primary expertise at JobMatch Assessment is getting an employee into the right job and career. Matching a person's thinking ability, behaviors, and passions to work improves job satisfaction. Full engagement requires personal connections with the boss and the team.
Use the best tools to thrive. You can help employees discover their strengths and maintain a strong culture by keeping everyone connected. We can help you develop the skills, leaders, and teams you need to succeed.
Our assessment and survey tools are world-class and statistically sound. Contact us, share your concerns, and see how we can help you. No charge, no obligation.
