2022 has certainly turned out to be the year of experimentation when it comes to ways of working. Although more and more workers are returning to the office in some form, it’s become clear that remote working and more flexible working options are here to stay. As organisations grapple to work with post-pandemic employee demands and the shift of power from organisation to employee, it’s time to harness colleague empowerment by providing the tools, resources and infrastructure to support personal development, productivity and colleague fulfilment.
1 in 5 workers plan to leave their jobs in 2022
PwC’s recent Global Workforce Hope and Fears Survey suggests that 1 in 5 workers still plan to leave their jobs in 2022, with pay and fulfilment being the key drivers when it comes to considering changing jobs. Colleagues may no longer be prepared to head into the office 5 days a week but providing the environment and culture to support their personal development will help them identify when and how to use the office. Whilst some deep-thinking work is better done at home, the opportunities to spark discussions, see and hear best practice, and learn how other colleagues are overcoming challenges, are all better done in the physical workplace.
Introducing the 70-20-10 rule of learning and development
The 70-20-10 rule sets this out nicely. This popular learning and development model states that 70% of our learning happens through on-the-job learning, 20 % happens socially through colleagues and friends, and 10% happens through formal training experiences. Whilst the pandemic and introduction of virtual meetings and training have proved that some of that 70% can be delivered in a virtual environment, the opportunity to learn from others is vastly increased when working in close proximity to team mates and leaders.
Creating a coaching and mentoring environment
Your office is your cultural hub and creating the opportunities and direction for teams to come together on the same day to collaborate and spend time together is key to optimising the first two elements of the 70-20-10 rule. Providing guidance to ensure these ‘in-office days’ aren’t filled with virtual meetings and have space for discussion, innovation and social interactions, will help colleagues quickly see the benefits of coming together regularly.
Critically, you’ll need to ensure your office design provides plenty of appropriate space for team breakout discussions, 121 conversations and socialising.
Is it time you rethought your workspace experience?
Here at Kerr we’re on hand to help you from developing your strategy, to advising on the cultural experience you need to deliver, to picking out the right furniture.
Get in touch today for an informal chat to get you started.