Offering a Delightful Employee Experience, within Shifting Workplace Formats: Challenges and Solutions

Introduction

As companies around the world shift to develop their work landscape, the intersection of remote work and employee engagement has emerged as a critical point of action. The digital age has ushered in unprecedented opportunities for flexibility and connectivity, but it has also brought forth a unique set of challenges. It has become imperative for companies to delve into the intricacies of remote work and its impact on the employee experience. 

Here, we look into the multifaceted aspects of remote work, uncovering the challenges it presents, and, more importantly, exploring innovative solutions that not only enhance productivity but also elevate the well-being and satisfaction of remote employees.

What is Remote Work?

Remote work is here to stay. More than one-third of American workers are still doing their jobs at home, according to new data from a major government survey. Working from home “is a permanent shift,” said Julia Pollak, chief economist at ZipRecruiter. “We’re now seeing many companies start as remote-first companies.” The new data is a “continuation of what we’ve been seeing” in the American workforce, she said. According to data from Forbes, 12.7% of full-time employees work from home, illustrating the rapid normalization of remote work environments. By 2025, it is expected that 32.6 million Americans will work remote.

It is clear that some industries and positions are better equipped for remote work, such as the computer and IT sector. Other groups, however, are not far behind. Marketing, accounting and finance, as well as project management are undertaking remote structures. As companies begin to utilize digital tools and platforms, they find pathways to enable employees for remote work.

Challenges with offering a Delightful Employee Experience

There are a host of benefits to remote work. From increased flexibility in environment and structure, to the ability to work with shifting groups, to a modern approach to work-life balance, remote work provides a new approach to work. At the same time, however, there remain certain challenges, specifically when it comes to the employee experience. Here, we outline the three biggest challenges:

Certainly, here are the three biggest challenges to the employee experience posed by remote work:

1.  Communication and Collaboration: Effective communication and collaboration can be challenging in remote work setups. Relying on digital tools for meetings and discussions can sometimes lead to misunderstandings, miscommunications, and a lack of clarity. Collaborative projects may also face hurdles when team members are dispersed geographically, especially across time zones.

2.  Isolation and Loneliness: Remote work can lead to feelings of isolation and loneliness, as employees miss out on the social interactions and camaraderie that typically occur in a traditional office environment. The absence of face-to-face communication and impromptu conversations with colleagues can have a negative impact on mental well-being and a sense of belonging.

3.  Work-Life Balance: Striking a healthy work-life balance can be difficult in a remote work scenario. The boundaries between work and personal life can blur, leading to overworking, burnout, and a sense of being “always on.” Employees may struggle to disconnect from work and find it challenging to establish routines that promote well-being.

Developing an Engaging Employee Experience

Implementing strategies that focus on the employee first are key to resting remote workplace structures that support productivity, effective communication, flexibility, and engagement. When employees feel supported and connected, this translates to increased workplace satisfaction and success in tasks. Additionally, it contributes to higher mental and physical wellbeing. 

These are a few strategies for developing an engaging employee experience in remote work environments:

1. Create Flexible Work Arrangements: Promote a culture of trust by allowing employees to set flexible schedules that accommodate their unique needs, such as caregiving responsibilities or preferred working hours. Provide resources and support for setting up ergonomic home offices to ensure employees can work comfortably and productively. Offer options for hybrid work models, where employees can choose to work remotely part-time or as needed.

2. Use Accessible Workplace Solutions: Leveraging workplace software and solutions can be a transformative step in enhancing the employee experience during remote work. These comprehensive tools, encompassing scheduling management, hybrid calendars, and meeting coordination, facilitate seamless communication and collaboration. With these technologies, employees gain the ability to efficiently plan their workdays, identify windows of in-office availability among colleagues, and schedule meetings or collaborative sessions with ease. 

3. Invest in Employee Well-being: Offer remote employees access to mental health resources, wellness programs, and employee assistance programs to support their overall well-being. Encourage regular breaks and downtime by emphasizing the importance of work-life balance and discouraging excessive overtime. Provide opportunities for skill development and career growth through online training, webinars, and virtual mentorship programs to keep employees engaged and motivated.

Conclusion

The future of work is unpredictable and ever-changing. What remains a priority, is the need to provide for the employee experience. Companies have begun recognising the importance of doing so, from short term benefits in the day-to-day productivity of employees to long term needs for engagement, well-being, and an established work-life balance. Staying connected to each other and their work is crucial and by using the strategies above, any company can do so.

With Jumpree by Smarten Spaces, organizations internationally can support their employees and develop their workplace solutions to fit their needs. The result is a more connected and coordinated remote work environment, where employees can engage in productive interactions, access resources, and align their schedules for in-person interactions when needed. Ultimately, such workplace solutions contribute to not only optimizing work efficiency but also fostering a sense of belonging and engagement, vital elements in sustaining a positive employee experience in the era of remote work!