(Almost) everybody is working from home — now what? 3 thoughts from an HR expert on adapting long-term
This year has seen one of the biggest changes worldwide on the way we work. As someone who has led the charge on human capital management/learning for more than 20 years, I thought I’d already seen an amazing evolution in the HR landscape, but obviously no one saw this coming.
Although remote work has blown up in popularity over the last decade, it was still an area of great resistance for many companies — even in Silicon Valley, where we have the technology and tools to make pretty much anything happen. According to a study by the Pew Research Center, only 7% of civilian workers in the U.S. had the option of teleworking.
Then, the pandemic struck and almost overnight, 64% of U.S. employees were told to work from home, according to data from SHRM’s COVID-19 Business Index. It was a period of confusion and uncertainty, and many were unprepared. I’m not just talking about the tools and equipment needed such as desks or monitors — employee mental health and wellbeing are also important factors to consider. Our new normal calls for a new approach — one that companies shouldn’t fear but rather embrace. This is an opportunity to effect a long-anticipated change in our work culture, as we continue to reassess the situation, and check in with employees on how they are managing their new reality. Here are a few things companies should be focused on:
Home Workspaces
Are your employees equipped for success? According to Lenovo’s recent “Technology and the Evolving World of Work” research report, nearly 40% of workers have had to partially or fully fund their own tech upgrades. The pandemic has brought all-new considerations for HR departments: Do employees have space to work in their homes? What other programs might help employees with this transition? For example, my company Klaviyo offered an expensable stipend of $1,000 to ensure its people have the tools they need to work comfortably and productively at home.
Emotional Support
It’s important to make your people feel supported. Especially now, with over 40% of people saying their mental health has declined as a result of the pandemic, as surveyed in a global study by SAP, Qualtrics, and Mind Share Partners. Not only does this mean offering the tools and feedback your employees need to succeed, but also an environment in which they feel encouraged and safe in bringing concerns to the table. This is critical during remote work, with half of respondents working from home saying they are experiencing burnout according to Monster’s latest “State of the Candidate” survey. For too long, companies have operated on a basis of “ask for what you want.” It’s also the company’s job to ensure it is being proactive in addressing potential needs, and cultivating a culture in which people are unafraid to ask for help and utilize benefits, programs, and resources without fear of punishment.
Company Culture
How can you ensure people feel included and connected while working from home? Don’t underestimate the importance of what makes your company great, and why employees want to work there. As we continue to work remotely, it will be important to carry on this culture, even if special events have been canceled. Remote work calls for a new culture, whether it’s in the form of virtual happy hours, Zoom movie nights, or other opportunities to decompress — and feel valued — together. As Chief People Officer for Klaviyo, I have been meeting up with team members to check in over social distanced coffees, and let them know my “virtual” door is still always open.
In these uncertain times, a company must be focused on learning and making informed decisions in real-time, but also be forward-looking. Leaders must be prepared to make this new normal work for their culture and employees for an indefinite amount of time, especially when a staggering 98% of people surveyed in Buffer’s “State of Remote Work 2020” report indicated they would like to have the option to work remotely for the rest of their careers. Take things step by step; the landscape is constantly shifting and it is the agile among us who will come out on top.
