How to Empower Your Teams in the Future Workforce

People managers play a crucial role in establishing and maintaining team norms that foster connection, healthy collaboration and an open, inclusive and empowering work environment. These norms have already undergone major changes with the abrupt shift to remote and hybrid working forcing organizations to adapt accordingly. 

This mix of working remotely and working in-person brings plenty of benefits. But it's also raised concerns about unequal visibility and access to information, lack of trust and fewer opportunities to build personal relationships. As we look ahead to the future, organizations need to find the right balance of working habits that offer effective and enjoyable modes of working for every single employee. 

But what does that future hold? How can employers empower their valuable teams in the future workforce? Read on to discover our top tips.

1. Focus on offering flexibility

Flexibility will continue to be a major priority for the global workforce. Sixty-seven percent of employees say they’d like to see further changes that enable flexible hours or a hybrid work environment. Have open, honest conversations with your team about how they would like to work and ensure you listen to their feedback. Organizations that do so and take employee’s feedback seriously will take home the most significant rewards. 

The research suggests that the future workforce won’t be driven so much by financial gain but by a better, healthier work-life balance and a chance to make a difference. What people really want is a job that fits with their lifestyle, values and professional goals. They want to be judged on the value - not the volume - of work they deliver. 

2. Prioritize equality and equity 

Future workplaces will be all about promoting and sustaining equity as well as equality. Equity happens when all members of a diverse workforce have equal opportunities and the support they need to succeed and flourish. For example, an accountant with disabilities may need different resources to a non-disabled accountant to carry out the same task. 

Equity doesn’t, however, happen overnight. You achieve it by establishing a diverse, inclusive and equal workplace. For example, think about the following: Are your job descriptions accessible to everyone? Do you offer mentoring programmes? Are your staff perks likely to make some employees feel excluded or are they for everyone?

3. Rethink your workplace culture

Employee needs are changing. Returning to the status quo isn’t an option if you want to keep your workforce truly happy and motivated. A positive culture isn't just flexible hours and remote working opportunities. It's about promoting your company values, encouraging openness and making everyone feel included. Workplaces of the future will focus more on creating a sense of community and personalized experiences that bring everyone into the conversation and empower them to be their true selves at work.

Employees working remotely often struggle to establish a balance between their work and home lives. As a result, people report working longer and less clearly defined work days, especially those working across multiple timezones. Hybrid and remote work can take a toll on employee wellbeing, as people feel more pressure to prove that they’re being productive. Show them that you care - make sure employees are feeling supported by taking time in one-on-one calls to talk about any personal and professional challenges. These conversations will also help you monitor signs of burnout and help people prioritize their work.

Organizations that want to attract and retain the talent they need to thrive must understand the priorities of their future workforce. Read more about how to get ready for the future of work by clicking here.