Communication is the key to.....

....finding a balance between homeworking and office attendance.

I didn’t get any training in how to manage a remote workforce when I studied for my MA in management. Neither was it mentioned in the workplace mediation training with CEDR. Before the pandemic in 2020, it wasn’t something employees generally asked for except in exceptional, usually temporary situations. And yet, we now have a workforce who have experienced a new flexibility and whether to work from home or the office for those who have jobs that allow for either, has become one of the most contentious management issues I am asked to be involved with. Small businesses have small workforces, retention is key to managing talent, recruitment time and cost. Good morale is vital for high staff retention and exceptional client services. All of this means it is essential that the working from home, coming into the office balance is discussed openly and without prejudice. But how do you manage that conversation without it becoming a highly charged, emotional tussle?

I would like to suggest a solution: a business led, stakeholder debate with three stages.

Stage one. List what the business needs from its employees to operate at its highest capability and with the greatest commercial success.  

Stage two. List what the employees need to operate at their highest capability.

Stage three. Stress test all entries on both lists by deciding if where the work is carried out will have an impact on the success of each factor listed. Keep a note of any common factors that arise, listen actively and be prepared to be flexible with your decisions.

This approach can be trialed at all levels in the company, and involve all stakeholders. It allows for all opinions to be heard and considered. Staff will feel that they have had a say in the decision and management can discuss any concerns. As a bonus, the outcome can also include an agreed set of guidelines for both workplaces on appropriate dress, behaviour and protocols.

If you’d like some help managing this conversation, give me a call. Once you’ve had an opportunity to discuss the process and how to manage the debate, it might be a lot more straightforward than you imagine.