In this article, we will examine possible post-pandemic workforce models, what they could be and what Workforce Management functionality you will need.
By now, your offices have reopened, workers have returned and business almost seems ‘back to normal’. It could also be that you’re offering more flexible working, or haven’t yet made that on-site leap.
Whatever scenario you and your workers are most comfortable with is the most important, after all, we’ve all seen the positives and negative of working from home at some point over the past year.
We’ve spoken in length about the functionality needed when working from an office, or at home. But what if you’re somewhere in between or looking at a whole different model for your workers?
Taking inspiration from research published in Harvard Business Review, we present the most popular working business models being used or considered or a post-pandemic world:
- As it always was: 9-5, normal, regular workplace behaviour. Bye-bye Zoom meetings and hello water cooler conversations. The office might smell a bit more like bleach, but it’s mostly the same.
WFM functionality: Time and Attendance with clocking machines (take a look at our temperature reading terminals!) - The Hub: A hybrid model that enables you to host meetings, brainstorm and do collaborative work in a safe, clean environment. The majority of your work is done at home, but those all-important creative meetings can be done in the office – which means the possibility of drastically reduced office space, and ‘hotdesking’, saving the company on rent.
WFM functionality: Reporting, reporting, reporting – you still need to know what your labour is doing and costing you if not from one central space. - Activity-based working: The need for each employee to have their own desk is a thing of the past. Workers instead can use hotdesks, meeting rooms, coffee lounges or their own space at home to get the job done. It’s less about feet behind desks every day and more about – is the work done.
WFM functionality: Online access – Log in and manage your workforce anywhere. Check timesheets, approve holiday, see reports and more on the move. - BYOB: No, not beer, but Bring Your Own Business. The long commute is dead, long live lie-ins. Instead of companies spending obscene amounts of impressive office space in city centres, this model enables workers to set up their own collaborative space closer to where they live. No more HQ, rather many small sites. It gives workers face-to-face interaction and saves businesses money.
WFM functionality: HR Management – You need a single resource to keep track of all your HR documentation and data. Appraisals, certifications, right to work and much more, all accessible to those who have permission, wherever they are. - 100% virtual: Employees working 100% from home, or anywhere they like, meaning less money spent on rent, commuting and more flexible working for all.
WFM functionality – Employee self-service – your workers can clock in, request time off, see their timesheets, rotas and much more.
Final thoughts:
None of the models are brand-new, and businesses have been toying with different versions for years. Before however, it was seen as “out-there” for anything other than a 9-5 desk job.
Whatever model you chose, make sure it’s realistic to your workforce and working models. If it isn’t the right one for you, don’t be afraid to change it around, listen to employee feedback and use the technology you have to benefit you the most.
If you’re thinking about using one of the above business models and want to know how a WFM system can help you, give us a call on 01761 410015 or request a free online demo.
