2022 Flexibility, choice and simplification

Mention Omicron and you realise most workplaces are re-entering a new phase of potential challenges in the months ahead. Many workplaces were beginning to find their footing in a hybrid environment and plan for a partial or full return to work but it might well be that many employees may be experiencing new anxieties in their choices about when, where and how they work.

As many employees are selecting a new rhythm to their in-office and remote work experiences, there can be buyer’s remorse in making any kind of choice: Will I be out of sight, out of mind? Will opportunities for advancement still exist if I’m working from home? Will I still be able to build meaningful relationships at work? If I choose to return to the office, what personal sacrifices am I making in other important parts of my life? Is the work place environment safe?

For leaders and managers preparing for a new hybrid work rhythm in 2002 it is an opportunity to re-examine the complexity of work and introduce some practical changes to support employee wellbeing. Make it mandatory that there is a clear agenda for each meeting and reducing meeting duration can have a big impact on wellbeing. Helping employees select focussed development opportunities/experiences rather than loosing themselves in LinkedIn learning content can provide much needed simplification and can be very calming

Consider this ‘‘Everyone wants to do good work, but it’s up to leaders to be thoughtful about the number of projects to which we’re committing. Sometimes less is more for the sake of organisational wellbeing.”

Summary and key takeaways As organisations plan for 2022 there are new opportunities to advocate and model an authentic level of care for each other and ourselves. We can:

• Set clear boundaries around work and make it a group project. 

• Learn and speak openly about the contributing factors to burnout and wellbeing at work. 

• Offer greater flexibility and choice yet simplify to avoid overwhelming team members. 

• Revisit how things are going and adjust the strategy when needed.