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After the whirlwind of the Covid-19 pandemic, many companies are finding themselves at a critical crossroads. As the unprecedented disruption slows, c-suite leaders must decide whether to revert to the familiar territory of pre-2020 business operations or embrace the opportunity to make lasting changes and pivot towards a new era.

Given the profound shift in employee mindset over the past three years, employers must recognize that the outdated norms of the pre-pandemic era will very likely not suffice in today's landscape. Rather than resisting the tide of change, businesses must leverage the lessons learned from the pandemic to strategize a new normal that accommodates the altered expectations of the workforce.

As organizations look ahead toward a post-crisis landscape, here are four Covid-19 people strategies they should consider retaining or adopting as a roadmap for the future.

Be in Tune With Your Employees

In a world where the talent pool is dwindling and the allure of a traditional office job is losing its shine, professionals have more options than ever. From freelancing to contract work and gig roles, they have the power to choose how they work and for whom they work. As a result, companies must compete to attract top talent and retain them.

The Covid-19 pandemic has significantly altered our understanding of what makes a competitive employer. Gone are the days when a beer tap and a ping pong table were enough to satisfy employees. Instead, today's workforce craves more substantial benefits from their employers. This includes fair and appropriate compensation, flexible working arrangements that allow for autonomy and control over their work, and an emphasis on work-life balance that prioritizes employee wellbeing.

For example, many major corporations are calling their employees back to the office with the option to work in a hybrid or fully in-office model. However, not all employees are thrilled about this mandate, and thousands have even petitioned or protested against it. According to research by Forbes only 12% of people would prefer to work in an office full-time, while 50% of business leaders want their employees back in the office full-time. On the flip side, nearly 60% of Gen Z employees would prefer to return to the workplace and recent college graduates have expressed fear of being left behind by starting their careers in a remote setting.  Finding the right work-setting balance for your employees is crucial. It may vary by team, department, or individual, but it's essential for every employer to assess and adjust as needed.

To foster a deep understanding of your employees' wants, desires, and needs, it is crucial to promote open communication. Consider encouraging regular dialogue by conducting employee focus groups and implementing annual surveys. By actively involving your employees and demonstrating that their opinions are valued and respected, you can create a workplace environment that aligns with their preferences and aspirations.

Continue Prioritizing Health

The pandemic has acted as a catalyst in raising awareness about the ease with which germs can spread, making it crucial for businesses to implement more rigorous cleaning and sanitation protocols. Ensuring these high standards are maintained can help safeguard customers and employees and shows organizational leaders prioritize their wellbeing.

In addition, companies that offer comprehensive health benefits have become increasingly attractive to future recruits and are better equipped to retain their existing workforce. This includes virtual and mental healthcare services, which have become essential during the pandemic and will likely remain in demand.

Go Even More Digital

During the pandemic, there was an unprecedented shift towards digital transformation, forcing companies to pivot towards technological advances to stay afloat during the lockdown. As remote work became the norm, businesses implemented various technologies to facilitate communication with their employees and find new ways to engage with customers. This shift has continued beyond the pandemic, with more companies embracing advanced options such as automation and AI.

By automating workflows, businesses see significant cost savings, particularly critical during economic instability and ongoing talent shortage. Moreover, it saves current employees from having to perform mundane tasks, freeing them up to focus on more high-level projects that require creative and analytical skills. Companies that continue to embrace technology and use it as a complementary asset rather than a replacement for human capital will be better positioned to remain competitive and forward-thinking.

Remain Agile No Matter the Business Climate

Adapting has become necessary for survival in today's rapidly changing business landscape, and it will continue to be critical after the dust settles. The pandemic has only amplified this need for strategic and operational agility. Business leaders must leverage their strategic insight to navigate the unexpected, whether inflation, supply chain disruptions, pandemic protocols, or operational disruptions. Maintaining flexibility in business processes and technology is critical to thriving in uncertainty.

The pandemic has also highlighted the importance of resilience, forcing companies to keep efficiency with strategic cost-cutting and decision-making. Analyzing decisions during the pandemic can help organizational leaders identify what went wrong and what went right and enable them to strategize for the future while rethinking their decision-making process for unexpected future disasters.

Next Steps

At CBIZ, our team of experts provides high-level financial, benefits, talent management and insurance services to organizations of all sizes. We pride ourselves on being your go-to partner in navigating the complexities of your unique needs so that you can focus on your core business functions with peace of mind. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you achieve your business goals.

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