Let’s Talk… Is Working-From-Home Over for Good?

Let’s Talk… Is Working-From-Home Over for Good?
By InConnection

Welcome to “The Connect Effect Conversations,” where we explore innovative ways to relearn the art of deeper connections in this digital age for leaders, teams, and customers.

Tips, conversation starters, and resources to follow. Let’s talk!

The Question: Is Working-From-Home (WFH) Over for Good?

When March 2020 hit, a seismic shift occurred in the world of work. Suddenly, the office wasn’t just a place—an office, a building—it was a platform; it was wherever you could set up a laptop, anywhere, anytime. This change marked one of the greatest transformations to work in a century, redefining how we thought about productivity, connection, and engagement.

But here we are in 2024, and the question is being asked again: Has the transformation to our working habits met its end?

With NSW Premier Chris Minns ordering government employees back to the office, the debate has reignited. While not the first employer to mandate a return to the office, the directive was met with mixed reactions—some people were ready to embrace the return, while others were reluctant to lose the flexibility that suited their lifestyles. And many are asking why a choice has to be made at all…

Key Points:

  • Productivity vs. Flexibility: The global productivity study by ReclaimAI showed that during the pandemic, the average workday lengthened by 1.4 hours. While some found this increase demanding, nearly 60% of workers reported feeling more productive working from home, where they had better control over their schedules.
  • Engagement and Connection: Despite the increased productivity, Gallup’s 2023 State of the Global Workplace report highlighted a significant issue—62% of global employees are “not engaged” (Gallup’s 2023 report surveyed over 100,000 employees in more than 160 countries). This lack of engagement is a major concern for organisations as it can impact collaboration, innovation, and overall workplace morale.
  • One Size Doesn’t Fit All: Prime Minister Anthony Albanese pointed out that there shouldn’t be a “one size fits all” approach to work. This is crucial, as what works for one team or individual might not work for another. Flexibility in work arrangements is key to maintaining productivity and satisfaction.

The Opportunity: The New Frontier of Work

Instead of reverting to a pre-pandemic mindset, it’s time to embrace the new world of work. It’s not just about where we work, but how we work.

Can you imagine a world where digital connections were so seamless that physical distance no longer matters, and every interaction is meaningful? The goal is to blend the best of technology with the best of human connection to help our workplaces and customer relationships thrive.

Here are a few ideas you can try right now. ????????????????????????????????????????

Tips: Reignite the Spark of Connection

The “Spark” represents those crucial rapport-building moments, and technology can help fuel these connections.

It involves genuine interactions, active listening, and empathy, fostering meaningful connections with both customers and team members. This spark of connection ignites trust and lays the groundwork for deeper relationships and can be used to infuse energy into teams—first time, and every time.

Practical strategies for Sparking Connection:

  • Set Aside “Connection Time”: Just like you schedule meetings, schedule time for your team to connect on a personal level. Bring your team together regularly to create opportunities for genuine connection and collaboration. Whether it’s a weekly meeting or a team-building activity, fostering a sense of unity and shared purpose is key to building strong relationships.
  • Keep the Conversation Flowing: Use tools like Slack or Microsoft Teams to keep everyone in the loop. Encourage small talk and casual interactions among team members to nurture a supportive and inclusive work environment. Asking thoughtful questions and actively listening to each other can help strengthen interpersonal bonds—it’s these little interactions that build rapport and keep the team spirit alive, even when you’re miles apart.
  • Design Team Dynamics: Be intentional about shaping your team’s dynamics. Establish clear goals, roles, and expectations to facilitate effective communication and collaboration as your team evolves and grows.
  • Personalised AI Touchpoints: Consider using AI to track engagement and suggest ways to keep your team connected. Whether it’s recognising when someone might need a morale boost or suggesting a timely check-in, AI can help you stay on top of your team’s well-being.
  • Virtual Reality (VR) Spaces: If your budget allows, explore VR environments to create a more immersive and collaborative experience. It’s not just for gamers anymore—VR can bring your team together in a way that video calls can’t. This will be the future!

Further Reading and Resources:

Let’s Talk

We’re in a time of unprecedented change, and there’s no clear-cut answer to whether the platform of work or the place of work is better. What’s important is that we keep the conversation going, remain flexible, and continue to innovate in how we connect and collaborate in this new era of work. So, what do you think?

ABOUT KIRRYN ZERNA

Kirryn Zerna is passionate about helping leaders, teams, and brands to relearn the art of deeper connection in the digital age. Want to create a practical, action-oriented session for your next conference that helps leaders, teams, and sales professionals connect better for better results? Then let’s talk! I’d love to help you dream up something wonderful. www.kirrynzerna.com