Redefining work: Research reveals what workers want post COVID-19
Many workers think the COVID-19 crisis marks the end of full-time work in the office, according to a study, The Future for Workers, by global staffing company The Manpower-Group.
One of the study’s conclusions was that workers are looking for a hybrid model that blends work and home.
After surveying more than 8,000 workers in eight countries, Manpower-Group found that after health concerns for themselves and their families, workers are most worried about returning to an old way of working and losing the flexibility they have gained. The research revealed that employers want to adopt a “people first” approach and reimaging a future of work that works for organizations and employees alike, with special emphasis on health, well-being and caring responsibilities.
The survey said that workers universally have three priorities for the next normal:
1. Autonomy and their personalized version of a hybrid workplace with the opportunity to work remotely, yet not all the time;
2. More opportunities to learn virtually and develop skills to stay employable; and
3. One life, a focus on blending work and family life for the long term.
Survey results concluded that “what started as a health crisis has evolved into an economic and social crisis. While thankfully a small proportion of the population will be infected by COVID-19, 100 percent of us will be impacted by it,” said ManpowerGroup Chairman and CEO Jonas Prising.
Prising went on to say that the data shows how workers around the world are feeling about returning. They expressed concern for their health and employment security, while seeking flexibility which allows them to better balance work and home.
“Those organizations that prioritize emotional well-being and flexibility while demonstrating how they create social impact in challenging times will be best positioned to attract and retain the best talent and ensure workers are confident, healthy and productive,” added Prising.
When the economic outlook is uncertain, employability matters most to workers, said the ManpowerGroup survey. Nine in 10 workers say that keeping their job is most important.
However, the different generational groups feel differently about returning to the workplace. The ManpowerGroup study noted the following differences:
• Gen-Z vs. millennials: Gen Z’s are anxious to return to the workplace to develop their careers and socialize (51%), while millennials are the least positive (38%).
• Gen X vs. boomers: Gen Xers prefer being in the workplace to concentrate and collaborate, distancing themselves from household responsibilities. Boomers choose socializing and collaborating with colleagues (34%) as top reason to return.
• Gender divide. While almost half of men (46%) feel positive about returning; only one-third of women (35%) feel the same. Women report feeling more concerned about returning to work. Both men and women rank not having to commute and having flexibility to work when convenient among their top benefits of working from home.
• Working parents: Men with children said spending time with their family is a top benefit to working remotely. Women feel more negatively about going back to work, increasing in concern the younger the child.