- Instead of thinking of the office as a location, reposition it for use as a tool. The office can bring about connectivity, innovation and collaboration among colleagues, making employees happier to come in person and soak up the experiences.
- Continue to be flexible in policies and do not revert back to rigid ways of thinking regarding the “new normal.” Companies need to experiment with various models of working to find the most productive and satisfying model for employees.
- As employees continue to feel the effects of the pandemic, don’t forget about their needs. Parents and caregivers continue to struggle with disruptions, so it is important to remain flexible and caring toward these employees.
- Assess the real necessity of returning to the office. Work-from-anywhere policies can increase productivity, expand the hiring pool and reduce utilities costs. Embracing hybrid policies can also give employees agency over their own decision.
- Communicate with employees to understand fully what they want instead of prescribing policies. The needs and backgrounds of employees vary greatly, so as a consequence the desire to return to the office will also vary. Keeping these differences in mind and clearly communicating the plan and rationale will help staff feel included and listened to.
At Becker's 4th Annual CEO + CFO Roundtable, taking place November 2–5 in Chicago, more than 1,500 hospital and health system executives tackle decisions that determine whether organizations thrive or merely survive: protecting margins under cost pressure, choosing where to grow, renegotiating payer relationships, stabilizing the workforce and proving real ROI on technology. This is where leaders work through them together, face-to-face. Apply for complimentary registration now.
