How to unlock the right working culture post-pandemic

Covid-19 has shown that C-Suite leaders must foster an inclusive workplace environment, helping staff deliver their best work.

Wednesday 28 October 2020

How to unlock the right working culture post-pandemic

By Mike Smith, Managing Director (Direct), Virgin Media Business

Covid-19 has shown that C-Suite leaders must foster an inclusive workplace environment, helping staff deliver their best work.

But with a distributed workforce and a challenging climate, how exactly can leaders do this?

Understanding pressure

It’s vital leaders manage their workforces with compassion and humility, recognising challenges they may be facing and responding accordingly.

The initial national lockdown disrupted parents’ work-life balance, as work and schooling were brought into the home. Many working parents struggled to balance these demands, creating a complicated and pressurised day.

With further restrictions now in place, businesses will need to overcome these challenges once again and keep employees engaged and productive.

Allowing for truly flexible working, such as offering the ability to choose working hours - whether remote or office-based - can help employees juggle these competing demands. This will support mental wellbeing, work-life balance and home life.

Empowering introverts

In any company, it’s inevitable to find a wide mix of personalities. While some employees will be extroverted and conversational, others may prefer to work quietly, so they can better concentrate.

Successful leaders create inclusive cultures where people with differing working styles can thrive. They do this by making it clear every employee can share ideas and express themselves, regardless of seniority or personality type.

They actively create forums for discussion through physical town hall meetings and virtual conferencing, where every worker can participate, regardless of whether they’re in the office or operating remotely.

Technology holds the key

Businesses need to deliver flexible working in the right way. To do this, they need to enhance their underlying infrastructure, ensuring employees are collaborating seamlessly.

Leaders should look for a strategic IT partner to advise them where and when to make the changes they need.

In particular, they should take advantage of technology partnerships, broadening the expertise at their disposal and helping them deliver the right solutions for their employees’ remote working needs.

On the road to rebound

There’s no question remote working will play a vital role in getting businesses through the second wave.

Even after the pandemic, inclusive and flexible working is here to stay. Leaders should be prepared to make changes that won’t just protect their cultures through the current uncertainty, but that will retain and attract talent over the long term.

And selecting the right technology is crucial to achieving these ambitions and ensuring every employee can flourish.

Wednesday 28 October 2020