A Closer Look At The ‘New’ Workforce

A Closer Look At The ‘New’ Workforce

By Luke Dancy

“The real prize is finding something new out there.” –Vera Rubin, American Scientist

Earlier this year we shared one of our most popular blogs about maximizing engagement in a hybrid work environment. The topic of hybrid, onsite and remote work continues to be a hot topic in the workforce so we’re looking at it again as we inch closer to the end of 2022. More and more companies are looking at options for how they hire employees like yourself. You could be looking for hybrid work, remote work or even a return to traditional onsite work. We’ll share some thoughts with you below that you can use as a friendly reminder or perhaps as ways to help convince potential employers to be flexible in work options.  The face of how workers do their jobs has changed, and we will take a closer look at the “new” workforce.

Is It Hybrid?

A 2020 survey reveals that 55% of workers in the US want a blend of home and office working. Do you see yourself being one of these people? For some people the value of ‘facetime’ along with the flexibility of being remote is the perfect fit for them. Looking for a few things to have in your ‘back pocket’ to bring up as positives for this option? A few of our favorites include..

  • Improved work-life balance
  • More efficient use of time 
  • Control over work hours and work location 
  • Preventing burnout 
  • Higher productivity

When working from home, hybrid workers are primarily focused on head-down, independent work tasks — away from the distractions of the office. This time to focus on personal work tasks and responsibilities may become even more important as employees spend more of their time on teamwork and relationship-building when on-site.  Is this ‘new” workforce option the one for you?

What About Remote?

Similarly, UK companies expect the employees working remotely to double from 18% to 37% after the onset of the pandemic. Employment expert Alicia Tung predicts that organizations will witness a 60/40 split of onsite/work from home in the next decade. Before the pandemic the goal for workers was to “show their work” by sitting at a desk on site where the job is performed. ERP Implementation Consultants, as an example, would traditionally be in the office 90% of the time and then head to onsite locations for support as needed. The office truly was the ‘homebase’ for many people. The good news is that with more cloud based ERP systems becoming the norm, doing things remotely isn’t a rarity, it’s quickly becoming the preferred option.

Even more now, it’s all about productivity. Since you’re out of sight, managers are relying more on measurable metrics to assess your output and results. If you’re the kind of person that loves to get the job done and produce results without a watchful eye over your shoulder, then being remote is definitely the way. But wait, how do you convince a potential employer to consider this as an option if they don’t already? Here are a few compelling reasons why remote work is the best work.

  • Better work-life balance 
  • Employee well-being (No more rush hour stress or being late for a meeting)
  • An increase in productivity
  • Saves companies money (Lower overhead costs)
  • Higher employee retention rate

Of course there are ways to ‘fill in the gaps’ and foster relationships with other employees or clients with things like Zoom or Skype as ways to communicate. The once abstract feeling of these types of meetings has definitely shifted into being the norm now.

Why Are Companies Pushing For Onsite Employees?

Major corporations have invested small fortunes in purchasing, leasing, and refurbishing office space. If staff isn’t filling up the office space, executives will have to eat the huge expensive costs of their office buildings. Because of this, some companies (like Tesla and Goldman Sachs) are giving hard deadlines for remote employees to return to the office. It really is no surprise that companies will always make decisions based on the bottom line.  While this isn’t always the most productive company practice, having staff work on site justifies a large expense to investors.  We definitely recommend looking at reviews of companies on Glassdoor or Indeed  prior to applying to really know the realities and expectations. Companies, like job seekers, often say the things that make their workplace a great environment.  Sometimes, however, the employee experience paints a different picture.  Always do your homework in this ‘new’ workforce. 

Knowing the ‘why’ is definitely half the battle when you’re on the job hunt. Knowing ‘why’ you want remote, hybrid, or on site work options will help you better plead your case should you need to do so. Maybe you prefer the ‘water cooler’ chat or the lunches out with your coworkers? The traditional office options are certainly still out there if that’s what you prefer but here at DyNexus Recruting we are seeing a consistent shift and a need for remote or hybrid employment. 

What’s Best For You?

At the end of the day it really all comes down to doing what’s best for you as you navigate this ‘new’ workforce landscape. With the options available, it’s never been easier to find exactly what you are looking for and that really is the best part. Working a job is no longer a cut and paste thing that people just do. Now more than ever, you can do things your way while still making a difference and getting the results that your employers expect. 

As always if you’re on the job hunt yourself we invite you to have a look at our full time openings or if you’re a contractor and you’d like us to help you find your next project, we’d love to help with that too.

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