Rethinking Work Concepts due to the COVID-19 virus? Thinking Outside the Box
This is an English translation of a Dutch publication in HR Praktijk published on August 13 2020.
Most organizations have already adapted their existing work environments based on the guidelines provided by the National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM). But do the changes result in workplaces that employees are excited about and align with the organization’s goals? Now is the time to critically evaluate your entire work concept.
“Whereas in the past, you thought of an office as ‘you come together and it’s a workplace,’ I now want to focus on supporting the needs of employees,” says Angelique Schouten, Chief Commercial Officer and board member of Ohpen, a cloud-based core banking platform. “I want to change the building into zones. For example, there are people who want silence, there are people who want the social aspect, or the nature aspect, and I want to see how I can meet those needs.”
According to her, this can lead to unorthodox solutions. “What do you do as an employer to enable people to work effectively? Should I set up beach houses for stand-ups? Should I have cabins in the woods or a houseboat with workspaces? If we need to rent something like that for someone to do their job, I will do it.”
Following Their Own Rhythm
Working from home doesn’t have to be the same either. Schouten: “The choice was usually to work a full day at the office or a full day at home. Since the lockdown, people have been following their own rhythm more. In the morning, I want a shower, a cup of coffee, and focus. In the afternoon, I go to the office. Maybe the office should be open seven days a week in the future?”
Conducting job interviews via video calls and creating an interactive onboarding program are all possible digitally. Schouten: “Onboarding newcomers can also be done through a webcam; we call it mission briefing. Normally, we fly everyone to the headquarters, do a tour of the old buildings where Ohpen started. Now, we have made everything digital, in a virtual tour.”
Successful onboarding forms the basis of the employee experience and ensures long-term engagement of new employees. However, in these times of crisis, reboarding employees may be even more critical. Reboarding is the onboarding of current employees: all activities that help guide and facilitate employees in the transition from point A to point B. Coronavirus is causing change in many organizations. How do you carefully involve employees in this process? And how do you ensure they remain engaged with the organization?
Walking in the forest or on the beach
Meeting with clients and prospects is also a challenge in the ‘new normal.’ Appointments can be made in person at the office with social distancing, but you or your client may not feel comfortable in an enclosed space. To avoid discomfort, you can arrange a meeting via webcam, but how do you keep your prospect’s attention? “You can do it with videos or invite an inspiring speaker,” Schouten explains. “An average appointment will take you twice as long as it normally would. Another good idea is to meet outside. It’s not only safer but also healthier to get some extra movement. Everything has become more informal. Last year, I adopted a dog, and now I invite prospects or clients more often to walk in the woods or on the beach.”