COVID-19 changed the way people work, and employers are still figuring out what the “new normal” looks like. But one thing is for sure—employee expectations are higher than ever.
The pandemic brought into sharp focus the need for flexible schedules, proper training, and employee recognition. But a recent WorkForce Software study found that employers’ and employees’ perspectives are not aligned on these issues.
For instance, 82% of employers believe they offer flexible schedules, but only 59% of employees agree. Likewise, 87% of employers say they offer accommodations for personal circumstances, while only 60% of employees agree.
In order to improve the employee experience as employees begin or continue to return to the workplace, 4A CEO Maria Kaplowitz suggests listening to what employees want.
Whether it’s conducting surveys to find out if employees prefer working from offices or remotely, or gauging how employees feel about vaccinations (and whether or not they should be mandatory before returning to work in-person), she says it’s important to take employees’ concerns into account.
“We have had a big revolution this past year where employees have a lot more say about what they do and where they’re doing it,” Kaplowitz says. “Right now, there’s a real competition for talent. At the same time, this was a once-in-a-lifetime experience we’ve all had and it’s made people think about what they want to do, how they want to balance their work life and personal life… People have a lot more say in what they want to do and how they want to do it.”
Read more about the ongoing employee experience revolution, and what to consider when sending workers back into office settings below.