Accelerating workplace decisions to support today’s workforces
Staff are coming back to the office, but their needs have changed. Business leaders need to convert their words into actions with a better workplace experience – or risk losing their best and brightest. In a CEOWORLD Magazine article, Global CEO Steve Quick shares why global brands need to move the needles and meet the pace of change.
The cost of inaction
Now more than ever, leaders must change their approach to the workplace to meet the expectations of their employees. Employees want welcoming spaces that are enhanced for different work modes, have seamless technology, and are authentic to the company’s mission and culture. The reality of today’s physical environments isn’t cutting it and delaying decisions to make the necessary adjustments is giving cause for talent to find employers that are making changes to support their needs.
According to Microsoft’s Work Trends Index 41 percent of global employees say they’re likely to consider leaving their current employers within the next year.
The new role of the office
While the role of the office has changed, it’s arguably more important than ever. People want to feel connected to their colleagues, the business, and its brand and culture. A physical environment aligned with the mission and goals of an organization and that meets the needs of employees eliminates frustrations and enhances productivity and motivation.
To keep talent, policy, culture, and space will need to come together to enable choice, flexibility, and belonging. This includes hearing the voices and recognizing the contribution of all people, regardless of location, race, gender, etc.
More than anything, employees want to be part of something bigger than themselves, and they expect to be acknowledged as they contribute to that larger whole.
The work environment as an experience
The most successful companies have acknowledged how their people experience and interact have fundamentally changed, listening to feedback with intent to take immediate action. This may include a commitment to cultural changes, supporting collaboration across locations, and integrating connective technology. Leaders who are putting a premium on creating commute-worthy, experiential, brand-focused environments are seeing results, both with their people and their bottom line.
Don’t just talk—demonstrate that your flowery words are backed by real action. Reshape your culture, workspaces, and technology stack to support the people who support your success.
