The Future of Work: 5 Action Steps Employers Can Take To Create A More Sustainable Workforce
Today’s work culture faces a series of challenges, from the great resignation to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Employers are facing high turnover rates and employees are redefining the role work plays in their lives. To better retain employees, many employers will need to adapt to an economy and job market that is constantly changing. To help employers better understand the future of work, here are five action steps employers can take to create a more sustainable workforce.
Respect Employee Boundaries
Promote a work-life balance by allowing your employees to work in a hybrid or remote environment, respective to their position. We are still in a time of uncertainty due to the ongoing pandemic. That in mind, it shouldn’t be surprising to anyone that employees see work flexibility and mental health as just as great a priority as increased wages.
Allow Yourself To Be Vulnerable
As an employer, you’re meant to position yourself as the captain of the ship, by being grounded and balanced. There are a lot of uncomfortable conversations that need to be had in many workplaces so that all employees feel as if they belong. It might be time to lead by example, take off the personality-armor and establish a space where your employees can be honest with you in a way they may not have been comfortable doing so before. You might realize there are cultural differences that you may not have noticed are greatly affecting not just employee behavior but attrition rates as well.
Initiate A New Model of the “Work Week”
Experiment with alternative work weeks. Whether it’s a four day work week or a mandatory self care hour, allow your employees alternatives in their work week so that they can focus and prioritize other parts of their lives. Your employees may end up coming to work not just happier, but more engaged.
Redefine Efficiency
Use emotional intelligence, empathy and leverage technology to guide you in establishing which work models work best for your new employees, as new generations are entering the workforce. The new generation isn’t lazy, they have a high level of emotional intelligence and are beginning to place life above work. As a leader you should practice self awareness in your ability to adapt to the shifts in today’s job market and work culture.
Support the Caregivers
Only 40% of U.S companies offer paid parental leave for both parents. Look into the employee benefits your company offers and how those benefits affect the caregivers that work for your company. Caregivers are dynamic in both their talents and work ethic. It will benefit you as a leader to accommodate those employees who are taking care of their children or others in their family/community.
You can find more information and resources on Consciously Unbiased’s official website.
