The new world of work looks a lot different - and employees must come first

The new world of work looks a lot different - and employees must come first

Things are very different in 2022...

SA's work-from-home and office arrangements to change in the new year
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Companies will need to review their existing policies around leave, sick days, holidays, and mental health. 

This is according to a Business Tech article. 

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The pandemic has raised my questions around the mental health of employees and it is no longer seen as productive to force people in the wrong state of mind to work. It only worsens the situation for the employee and companies lose money due to productivity issues.

With remote working, you can do it just about anywhere in the world
With remote working, you can do it just about anywhere in the world. Image/Flickr

During the lockdowns, companies that could allowed employees to work from home.

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According to Professor Renata Schoeman, Head of the MBA in Healthcare Leadership programme at Stellenbosch Business School, physically going back to work came not only at an economic cost, but at a cost to the employees' mental health.

This would then lead to burnout and other conditions that are not being treated properly.

via GIPHY

In order to solve these issues and look after employees better, the following has been suggested:

  • Have regular one-on-one check-ins with employees (even if it is a virtual check-in) and create a supportive conversation. 
  • Encourage employees to sign off, close their laptops, and take time for personal time at the end of their remote working day.
  • Needing to review sick leave and absence policies and procedures. As well as adapting them for the world of online and remote work. 
  • Ensure that sick leave policies and pay are in order to help the ones who are present by the financial worries of losing income. 
  • Encourage employees to take their annual leave.
  • Review workplace wellness initiatives.

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