Workplace culture is changing sooner than was expected
During this pandemic era, workplace culture is rapidly changing.
Workplace culture is a company’s “personality,” said workplace inclusion expert Leah Kyaio.
“Pre-pandemic workplace culture was primarily defined by the leaders within the organization, for better or for worse. During this … world, employees are having far more influence on changing workplace culture.”
Kyaio said change is happening fast, and “if employers and employees are inflexible amid this change, they risk being left behind.”
Kyaio takes a hard look at work culture and explains how it is is changing and how employees are coping.
Career website Hired’s recent study found that workplace culture is the second-most important factor for job-seeking candidates.
“Potential employees are being far more discerning about workplace culture…,” said Kyaio. “Employees are reevaluating their priorities and their approach to work/life balance, expecting employers to meet their changing needs.”
What is influencing culture shift?
The pandemic was a major factor in changing workplace cultures. Stress and staffing shortages built toxic workplaces many chose to leave. Having felt the impetus to consider life and death within the pandemic, people realigned their values and changed how they spent their time.
COVID has greatly affected those in lower socioeconomic classes, according to the Pew Research Center (online at www.pewresearch.org). Even though close to 70% of the workforce is able to work remotely, those in lower-paid positions are not always able to do so. Complicating the situation, they were covering staffing shortages, working longer hours, and putting their mental and physical health in jeopardy.
Kyaio said the last two years have also seen increased demand for diversity initiatives that made lasting changes instead of blowing smoke.
“Pre-pandemic, there had been diversity and inclusion research,” she said. “Additionally, we have seen work being done under the guise of ‘diversity’. However, organizations were not being held accountable for doing real diversity work that leads to real change.”
Complicating the picture, “evolving technology and automation also contributed to shifting workplace culture. The way we communicate is rapidly changing, and the approach to culture evolves with it. For example, video communications altered workplaces, probably permanently, especially during the pandemic.”
Pre-pandemic culture
Along with the pandemic shutdown, there came a time of reflection for workers, said Kyaio. A large part of the workforce realized their jobs could be done from home. They revealed that they could tend to their personal needs and still make a living. And employers learned that they could trust people to do their jobs within flexible terms.
Prepare for change
Kyaio said “monumental changes are coming within workplace culture and the shifts are happening at breakneck speed.”
The changes? Kyaio said workplaces are becoming more diverse and inclusive than ever.
“With remote work now being a viable option for more and more companies,” she said, “they can cast a wider net for qualified employees. After the upheaval of the last two years, companies are also looking to create more harmonious work environments.”
Communication is changing
“The way people interact at work is much different from even five years ago,” said Kyaio. “With video conferencing, increased reliance on social media for marketing, and employees spread all over the globe, communication is an adapt-or-die situation. The need for upskilling communication will need to be addressed with those jumping on the train gaining a competitive edge.”
Finally, workers also see the need to build new skills to stay competitive, said Kyaio.
“Workplace culture is a two-way street, with needs and demands for both employees and employers. Employers are willing to bend to the demands for better balance, but they are also issuing their own demands. Specific skills are expected, especially when it comes to higherlevel white-collar positions.”