TRENDING long-term flexibility and 42 % of Gen Z workers would even pass on pay rises of between 6 to 20 % if it means they get proper hybrid work .
This safety net fosters open communication and encourages risk-taking , both of which are essential for innovation in organisations .
It ’ s well documented that meeting the needs of employees translates to better outcomes for customers .
It should also be noted that keystrokes don ’ t necessarily translate to staff productivity .
A Gallup study found that satisfied employees are three times as likely to solve customer issues and problems than employees that are less engaged or motivated .
And in the context of ongoing skills shortages across a range of sectors and high turnover rates , these preferences can ’ t be ignored .
To ensure workers are productive under hybrid arrangements , the answer isn ’ t mistrust and surveillance .
Research from Harvard Business School found that teams with high levels of trust and psychological safety are more likely to admit mistakes , partner up and leverage each other ’ s skills .
This mistrust in action almost encourages employees to set up ruses to trick employers into thinking they ’ re working – in a similar vein to the bird Homer Simpson used to type on his keyboard and mark his work presence while he watched television .
Organisational leaders should instead focus on supporting employees to do their jobs across physical locations .
A lot of the criticisms against remote work include diminished creativity , collaboration and mentorship .
But a lot of these can be remedied , as it ’ s not about where you work , but the tools with which you ’ re equipped .
24 INTELLIGENTCIO APAC www . intelligentcio . com