The unclear workplace of the future
A lot of uncertainty will undoubtedly impact how we work in 2024 and beyond - the professional landscape is transforming in ways we've never seen before. The world is changing rapidly, with the economy fluctuating and our work habits permanently altered by a global pandemic. It's a pivotal moment for all of us in the workforce.
As a strategist who's navigated the ebb and flow of these changes, I believe it's crucial to look closely at what our employees really want and need. The success of any business is intimately tied to the happiness and productivity of its staff. In a world brimming with uncertainties, it's the insights right in front of us that can guide us to make the right changes.
The Sodexo Survey: A Mirror to Today's Workforce
Reflecting on where we stand today is as important as looking forward. Our Sodexo Worklife Experience Tracker, a survey from 2023 that involved 3,000 UK workers, offers a window into the current mindset of our workforce. It's fascinating and sometimes surprising what you find when you actually listen to people.
The survey confirmed some expectations: remote working is a hit, and everyone's watching their budgets closely. But it also revealed a deeper truth: many of us are missing that human connection in our current work ecosystem. A significant chunk of our colleagues are silently unhappy, even thinking about quitting. Mental and physical health issues are alarmingly common.
Moreover, the survey shed light on a crucial aspect: sustainability in the workplace. A staggering 90% are waiting for their employers to step up their game in this area. It's clear that issues like job satisfaction and sustainability aren't just nice-to-haves; they're essential for a thriving workforce.
Imagining the Workplace of the Future
The workplace has been in a state of flux for the past four years, and it's anyone's guess where we'll be in another four. But one thing I've increasingly recognised as a truth is that hybrid working isn't just a trend – it's the future. It strikes that perfect balance between work and life, offering much-needed flexibility.
Julie Ennis, CEO of Sodexo Corporate Services and Energy & Resources in the UK & Ireland, has also seen these shifts first-hand. She believes that building a future-proof workplace is no longer a luxury but a necessity. To keep our people – the heart and soul of our work environment – we need to create solutions now, not later.
The survey's findings point to a clear pattern: there's a widespread appreciation for remote working. This represents a significant shift from the traditional working model, giving employees more control over their work lives. By embracing this reality, businesses can open doors to new opportunities in this evolving landscape.
Crafting Solutions for Future Success
Looking ahead, it's clear that businesses need to stay ahead of the curve to create a resilient and adaptive work environment. So, how can we as employers shape a positive future for our workplaces?
First and foremost, we must build a working model that truly fits around our employees. The professional landscape has undergone a permanent transformation, a fact widely stated but now urgently requiring our full acknowledgment. We need workspaces that maximise productivity by leveraging the benefits of remote work, while also fostering a sense of community and collaboration.
Making the office a place for connection. While remote work suits certain tasks perfectly, there's a whole world of creative opportunities that come alive when teams gather to collaborate and socialise in person.
Meanwhile, the workplace strategies cannot be one-size-fits-all. Our research shows diverse preferences for work environments, from quiet spaces to lively, creative hubs. It's about understanding that 'flexibility' means different things to different people.
Looking at Food and Sustainability in the Future Workplace
In this era of hybrid working, it's vital to maintain a comfortable, welcoming environment in the workplace. This balance is key to blending remote working with the human connection we all crave.
Our findings suggest that motivations like socialising, quality food, comfortable work environments, and commute subsidies can draw people back to the office. Quality food, in particular, can play a significant role in the workplace of the future. It's about more than just sustenance; it's about fostering connections, spontaneous conversations, and informal socialising.
Take OSR, Sodexo’s London HQ, as an example. Early surveys indicated a new trend: the office as a social hub, focused on health, wellbeing, and driving company culture. We designed with flexibility and adaptability in mind, and now, our data shows employees gravitating towards collaborative areas, transforming them into buzzing social hotspots.
Likewise, Sustainability shouldn't be an afterthought – it's a vital part of our future. My early years in the construction industry taught me the importance of continuously challenging and improving our sustainability practices. It's not just about meeting standards; it's about actively working to make a positive impact.
Our survey echoes this sentiment loud and clear: sustainability is a priority for today's workforce. A significant 78% of respondents emphasized its importance, with over half expecting their employers to take responsible actions. This sentiment is even stronger among Gen Z – 85% of this demographic, which forms a large part of our future workforce, demand sustainable practices from their employers. Interestingly, 34% of UK workers would decline a job offer if the company's sustainability values didn't align with their own.
These statistics are more than just numbers; they're a window into the mindset of our workforce today, especially Gen Z. It's a clear message that we need to listen to their concerns now as we shape the workplace of tomorrow. Businesses must prioritise sustainability not only to meet current expectations but to foster loyalty and job satisfaction among their employees.
For instance, at Sodexo we’ve targeted sustainability at all levels of the business, from energy usage, responsible waste management to reduction of plastic usage.
The Bottom Line
As we envision the workplace of the future, it's clear that we need to listen to our employees now more than ever. By addressing their current needs and concerns, we can shape a workspace that not only meets the demands of today but also paves the way for a successful tomorrow. The relationship between employee and employer is vital, and focusing on communication, transparency, benefits, and dynamic workspaces is the key to a thriving business in the future.
Inna Lim, MBA, Director of Marketing, Strategy and Execution, Corporate Services, Sodexo UK and Ireland