Over the past two years, flexibility has become a professional buzzword – not just within PR but across many sectors.
The pandemic taught us that remote working doesn’t impact productivity. It also allowed employees the chance to fit their work-life around their personal schedule. Such is the appeal of a good work-life balance, a 2021 survey* named it the top driver for people looking for a new job.
Remaining Covid-19 restrictions will be removed in England at the end of this month. Many workplaces have started encouraging employees back to the office. As the working world creeps back to normal, how can employers ensure they are supporting a positive work-life balance for staff?
Keep talking (and listening) to your staff
Everybody has different demands on their time. This means direct conversations are key. Keep talking to your staff to establish how they are coping with the transition back to office work. Be prepared and open to changing existing policies based on their feedback.
Care about the small print
On the subject of policies, make sure they a) exist, b) are up to date, and c) are easily accessible. Don’t expect your staff to be mind readers. Set clear guidelines of where, how and when they are expected to work in 2022.
Give people reasons to come in
Lots of companies have adopted a hybrid model where staff work from the office for a set number of days each week. If that’s the case, then ensure the in-office experience is an enjoyable one. Sync timetables to create a good office buzz. Hold meetings and catch-ups over coffee. Schedule training sessions that are worth the 2-hour commute. Fill up the staff social calendar. Take time to reconnect with colleagues face to face.
Embrace remote working
The freedom for employees to work from locations outside of the office is an attractive one. From an employee point of view, it demonstrates you trust your staff and recognise they have a life away from work. At Third City, we have recently introduced a Remote World Working policy that allows our team to log on from anywhere in the world for four weeks of the year. We also fund a Duolingo Plus package so they can get to grips with the local language whilst they’re there. Our staff are our best asset, it simply doesn’t matter where they log in from.
Forget how it used to be
I’ve been in the industry for over a decade, which means I find it surprisingly easy to slip into a ‘not in my day’ mindset. I’m now quick to check myself, aware of how outdated views hinder progression. Yes, you spent your PR trainee years chained to your desk. Sorry, you missed your kids’ school plays and friends’ birthday dinners. Thankfully, things have now changed for the better. Showing genuine support for new policies at all levels is key.
*According to a 2021 survey by Randstad within its latest global employer brand research 2021 report, (REBR) an independent survey of over 190,000 individuals in 34 countries.
Lauren Westmore is an Associate Director at Third City and a Women in PR member.
Third City is an award winning, London-based communications agency. We offer a hybrid approach to PR, bringing together the best of brand and reputational thinking.
