Bouncing-back
As the pandemic diminishes, forward-looking businesses must prepare staff for the future of work.

Businesses can bounce back post-pandemic, but this starts with organisations putting their staff first. Creating a positive office environment but offering choice over a hybrid way of working and putting the needs and wants of your team first is going to be how businesses expand and grow during this difficult next chapter.

77% workplaces re-open
At gemsatwork, we recently ran a ‘re-opening survey’ which showed that already around 77 per cent of workplaces which closed fully during the most recent lockdown have re-opened and they are currently seeing almost half (47 per cent) of their staff back to the office on a day-to-day basis, with 58 per cent of workers coming in at least once a week. Two-thirds (66%) of offices are looking to return to their pre-Covid staff levels after all restrictions are ended with the final step of the Government’s roadmap out of lockdown set for July 19.

Workplace wellbeing in 2021
We’re really excited to celebrate employees starting to return to the office, but we recognise that employee satisfaction is going to be absolutely essential to a productive workplace. Key factors to this will be health and wellness. Ensuring staff are happy and comfortable can be achieved in many different ways from providing free healthy snacks, an on-site gym or yoga classes or providing access to counselling services. This sends a direct message from the leadership team that they are not just considering the bottom line, but they truly understand it is their people who are at the heart of their business and a return to work after a pandemic presents a range of new challenges for everyone.

Showing staff you care in a post-pandemic, ‘hybrid working’ environment is more important than ever. A timely, well thought through sign of appreciation, acknowledging staff contribution will become essential in 2021. When you don’t physically see each other as often, staff rewards keep the lines of communication open and reminds your team exactly why they love the company culture so much.

Demonstrating how much you value someone creates good feelings, cheerful memories, better self-esteem – as well as feelings of relaxation and optimism. All of these emotions lay the path for a pay it forward and “we’re in this together” mentality in the workplace, which in turn, makes your workplace happier and more successful.

‘People First’ attracts and keeps Talent
It is no surprise that companies which put people first, get ahead. They attract and retain the best people, and as a result, business flourishes because they invest in their biggest opportunity for growth – their people. They just get that nurturing their people is critical to growth.

To attract the best talent on the market, it’s essential companies create a reputation as somewhere candidates want to work. You should share stories of longstanding employees or shout about employee benefits and perks your organisation has to offer to impress culture-fit candidates. I would also recommend highlighting a clear path for career progression opportunity.

And to retain great people, I would say to any organisation, if you want to find out if your employees think that your company puts them first – ask them. Getting regular and continuous feedback is a great way to demonstrate to your employees that you value their opinions and how they feel about their work.

A different way forward
We work with employee-focused businesses every day and we have found where organisations create a more nurturing environment staff are easing back into office life much more comfortably.

Celebrating wins, showing gratitude, empowering employees, viewing slip-ups and failures as learning opportunities, and being open about your own mistakes and encouraging others to do the same – all make a huge difference to people right now.

I challenge businesses for 2021 to consider ditching the annual appraisal for this year and replace it with a reward system which recognises and values the work your employees do.

See how things change!