Two and a half years ago who would have thought that one of the first five questions we would be asking a candidate when qualifying them for a position would be “What work arrangement are you looking for? Onsite? Hybrid? Remote?
In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, the landscape of work has undergone a transformative shift. Looking forward into 2024, what are the trends and practices surrounding on-site, hybrid and remote work?
One prominent trend that has emerged is the adoption of hybrid work models. Most hybrid models allows employees two to three days in the office and the remainer of the work week, remotely. This approach strikes a balance between the benefits of in-person collaboration and the flexibility offered by remote work. Tech giants like Google and Microsoft have continued offering hybrid work options, acknowledging the importance of adaptability in the modern workforce.
According to an Accenture report, hybrid workforce models are embraced by 63% of high-revenue growth companies, while 69% of companies with negative or no growth reject the concept of hybrid workforces and prefer all onsite or all remote employees. Employees prefer a hybrid model 83% of the time.
In some positions and industries, hybrid and fully remote models are not an option. These companies are eager to bring their employees back into the office. Industries like finance, law, and healthcare, where face-to-face interactions are crucial, have shown a preference for more on-site work. These organizations are investing in revamped office spaces that prioritize collaboration, aiming to create a conducive environment for innovation and teamwork.
For certain companies, the transition to remote work has been seamless and productive. Tech, software development, and engineering firms, in particular, have found that their teams can operate effectively from various locations. Many of these companies have announced long-term or even permanent remote work policies. This shift allows them to tap into a global talent pool, fostering diversity and innovation.
A notable aspect of this evolving landscape is the emphasis on employee choice, well-being, and mental health. Companies are recognizing that a one-size-fits-all approach may not be conducive to a productive and satisfied workforce. As such, they are implementing policies that allow employees to have a say in their preferred work arrangement, fostering a sense of trust and empowerment.
In a Crain’s Future of Work survey, 78% of HR professionals surveyed say flexible schedules and remote working are effective ways to retain workers. Since this is not always possible, many companies are seeing a higher-than-average employee turnover with some of the positions hard to fill.
The future of work is evolving, and companies are navigating this transition with a variety of approaches. Watchdog has expertise in two areas that can assist in the workforce and workplace transitions.
Our Professional Search Team is a dedicated team of professionals who specialize in finding and attracting the right talent for your needs. We have access to a vast network of potential candidates due to our seasoned experience, including those who might not actively be searching for jobs. This broader reach increases the chances of finding exceptional talent that may not be easily discoverable through traditional job postings. Additionally, our Advisory Services Team can create a uniquely customized workplace experience strategy, strategic occupancy plan, and change engagement and communications program for every client’s vision, budget, and schedule.
If you need expertise in workplace strategy contact Lori Strasser, NCIDQ, QPCR. For your staffing needs, contact Chris Cicchini or Cory Casey.
