If for some professions it is still promising, for others it has gone along with the pandemic
Remote working, or the end of it, has never been more talked about by companies. While the big names are trying in every way to call their teams for a face-to-face meeting, the entire market is feeling the weight of this change in hybrid models. According to Marcelo Arone, headhunter and specialist in companies undergoing transformation and professionalisation, it may be a human need rather than a market need.
“Today rationality counts, both in hiring and in team management, and what is decided at this moment will plan the next few years of the job market. Mainly in Brazil,” says Arone.
One of the most heated discussions in this regard concerns the format of the work. With the pandemic, the home office has taken the stage, which has proved to be a viable option for balancing finances, time and productivity. However, industry giants like Amazon, Disney, Twitter and Starbucks are struggling to bring their employees back to the face-to-face model. The movement piqued the interest of Harvard researchers, who decided to evaluate this scenario.
And the results were surprising: by studying the decline ratio connected to remote working, economists discovered that, if for some professions and markets it is still promising, for others it was only a necessary moment, which went away together with the pandemic.
“We cannot deny that there is a natural appreciation of the home office by professionals. In this case, the secret lies in the good sense of both parties”, points out Arone.
Employees and companies must understand that the advantage is only valid when deliveries are not compromised and there is synergy on both sides. Important point according to him: the deal is not expensive.
Flexibility is important when hiring
This flexibility has been crucial in hiring since 2020, but it is noted that this point has since become negotiable within the job offer.
“Just as salary, bonuses, etc. are being negotiated, people have started asking in the formal contract how many days a week they can work from home,” the headhunter points out.
Many agree to adjust other benefits for having this condition. It is up to each company’s HR and executives to evaluate the extent to which this type of model can be offered.
Research “The Power of Proximity”, conducted by Harvard, reveals that, for senior employees, the home office increases productivity, but for juniors it drastically decreases the quantity and quality of feedback, thus reducing employee engagement. employee at the company, which leads to higher turnover.
On the other hand, if the home office is more favorable for the elderly, it is not a bed of roses for their managers either. Arone recalls: “Nothing replaces face-to-face when it comes to understanding who’s really there with you.”
It all varies depending on each function
Of course, it is important to consider that the return to face-to-face work can vary according to each function performed, being essential for some professions aiming for more effective team management. According to the consulting firm McKinsey & Company in its research “Reimagining the office and work life after Covid-19”, face-to-face interactions are better suited to solve complex problems, make agile decisions, stimulate creativity and innovation.
These aspects can best be explored through physical presence in the office, which can also have a positive impact on employee engagement, motivation and performance.
“It is worth remembering that each function has its own particularities and specific needs. Some activities can still be done remotely, thus requiring a flexible approach adapted on a case-by-case basis,” recalls Arone. “When it comes to management, this panorama becomes more complex”.
In this context, a hybrid working model, combining face-to-face and remote days, could remain a viable alternative for some functions in the coming years.
As a leader, understanding the importance of physical presence and direct engagement with teams is essential for effective and engaging management. The return to work in presence allows a better understanding of individual and collective needs, as well as promoting the definition of clear objectives and the practice of immediate and constructive feedback.
In short, the return to face-to-face work represents an opportunity to strengthen relationships between teams and promote a more solid and unified organizational culture, and certainly should drive hiring in the near future. However, it is essential that companies adopt a flexible approach, adapted to each specific case, and provide adequate support and resources to balance the professional and personal needs of employees.
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Source: Terra
Rose James is a Gossipify movie and series reviewer known for her in-depth analysis and unique perspective on the latest releases. With a background in film studies, she provides engaging and informative reviews, and keeps readers up to date with industry trends and emerging talents.
