Job applicants continue to desire remote work opportunities, but the Wall Street Journal indicates that employers are cooling on it. ‘Quiet quitting’ and employees taking two remote jobs caused some problems. Still, other concerns are leading employers to place more control on remote and hybrid work.
We have reported before (see our blog) on cultural concerns that leaders and new workers face in a virtual work environment. You have probably seen news articles on corporations requiring employees to return to the office or establishing hybrid work policies with mandatory office time.
We see a mixed bag with distinct patterns in our work with clients and employees.
Well-experienced professionals are often more productive in a remote environment. These employees typically have at least five years of experience and work in roles where customers depend on their expertise. Many IT, health benefits administrators, accountants, and similar knowledge professions fit here.
Less experienced workers, particularly Gen Z, are more stressed by independent and isolated remote arrangements. They still need training, supervisory support, and the learning picked up by seeing others do the work. Most importantly, they need a sense of belonging.
Almost all workers need in-person collaboration to maintain a sense of belonging. Zoom meetings work with workers who otherwise know each other well. It takes spontaneous and personal interactions to establish genuine relationships.
Remote work options can offer recruitment and retention advantages but use caution. Some people are simply not fit to work in a remote job.
Our employee assessment experience shows that multi-taskers with dependent and social behaviors struggle with remote work. It often leads to behavior, performance, and retention problems.
Use the best tools to thrive. You can discover who has the aptitude and attitude for a specific job and maintain a strong culture by keeping everyone connected. We can help you develop the skills, leaders, and teams you need to succeed.
Our assessments and surveys are world-class and statistically sound. Contact us, share your concerns, and see how we can help you. No charge, no obligation.
