Post-COVID remote work could make it or break it for workers

Employees may be prepared to leave their jobs if their employers do not allow them to work remotely after the COVID-19 pandemic ends; however, when staff understand why decisions on working patterns and policies have been made, they are more likely to cooperate, even if they don’t agree.

Online assessment provider Questionmark has released a report outlining how employers can make the best decisions on the right post-pandemic working arrangements. The report highlights the risk that workers could leave their jobs for a better working arrangement if they cannot continue to work flexibly from home. Post-pandemic, the staff with the most sought-after skills will be the most likely to move on.

The report found that over 60% of US workers will prioritise job opportunities that allow more flexibility, while 29% of respondents said they would quit if they could not continue to work remotely. One in four British office workers also claimed they would resign if flexible working policies are revoked, according to research by HR software company Personio. During the height of the pandemic, 24% claimed to be searching for new opportunities.

The report revealed that even when workers do not agree with a decision, they are likely to respond better when they understand why it was made. Employers are urged to provide as much evidence as possible to explain their decision.

Lars Pedersen, CEO of Questionmark, said no employer will announce a post-pandemic working policy that receives universal approval, adding that the research revealed a disparity among workers around what they want.

“When a decision is explained and evidenced, people are far more likely to cooperate. Measuring workforce skills with assessments helps employers make an informed decision and explain it to workers,” Pedersen said.

Measuring the skills of the workforce could give employers the evidence needed to explain their conclusions. Employers can assess which skills can demonstrably be carried out better in an office or physical workspace or which can be executed just as well from home.

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