The global pandemic spurred profound and immediate changes to how people interact and work. While some of these trends were already gaining traction before March 2020, Covid-19 rocketed them into fast forward.

In the post-pandemic era, people management based on the old rules no longer works. A successful company’s new model for shaping the future is based on flexibility, responsiveness, security, and continuity in a world of constant flux. HR leaders need to have their finger on the pulse of:

Flexibility

HR pros need to take the lead in giving people a sense of continuity as they rebound not only from the pandemic, but also from the economic, social and political turmoil that has defined recent history. In the midst of it all, work/life balance is more critical than ever before. Personal priorities also underwent a seismic shift, and in many cases, the 9-to-5 schedule and time-consuming commute to work is out the window for good.

• Covid-19 forced a movement of jobs and people away from the office and required managers to adopt new skill sets in order to remain successful, including delivering a consistent employee experience.
• There are specific lessons HR teams need to impart upon managers to build their effectiveness in remote or hybrid work set ups. Communication is critical; specifically, managers being as transparent with employees as possible. Know where they may be struggling or hitting a wall in terms of productivity, regardless of where they do their work.

Security

HR and company managers need to create an environment where employees feel safe sharing with their supervisors and others.

• Psychological safety describes this type of culture. It is built on openness, mutual trust, and employees having an understanding that their organization has their backs. It is extremely powerful and it builds morale, satisfaction and loyalty.
• HR teams also need to explore the best ways to customize benefit offerings to meet the needs of today’s workers. Healthcare remains of top importance, but not everyone wants or needs the same traditional, cookie-cutter plan. Options including mental health coverage, therapy, meditation and similar resources need to be on the table.

As a business leader guiding your company to a successful future, you may need extra expertise, insight or resources when it comes to talent acquisition and management. An option for a growing number of businesses is outsourcing HR functions to a professional employer organization (PEO) or other third-party provider. Key HR is aligned with a full range of such partnership companies – and we can help you learn more about them and determine which forward approach would work best for you. Reach out to us today to learn more.