The Covid-19 pandemic fundamentally changed the way the world views the working environment, and business CEOs don’t believe this to be a good thing, as some reckon it’s actually harming business in South Africa – with many being intimidated into maintaining remote or hybrid working conditions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
During the Covid-19 pandemic, businesses were forced to adapt their practice overnight as most transitioned to remote working where possible. Post-pandemic, many have returned to the office while some continue working from home or take a more hybrid approach.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
However, these hybrid models are causing confusion and expectations in the workplace while killing what makes businesses work so well \u2013 such as mentorship, face-to-face interaction, and a proper work ethic. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Employees in South Africa are slowly changing their approach to work life, with many opting to return to the office \u2013 but only if it is worth their time, says Linda Trim, director of workplace design company Giant Leap.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Due to the rapid shifts in expectations and practices over the last few years, there are now many needs and different work styles that businesses have to cater to,” she said, making it difficult for businesses to make in-office work attractive for all employees. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
This was noted by research conducted by professional services firm PwC, which showed that when it comes to retaining employees, money remains the top factor (71% of employees list it as their top reason for changing jobs). <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Yet, money isn\u2019t enough by itself to keep workers, who\u2019ve been almost as likely to cite non-monetary factors \u2013 such as job fulfilment, the opportunity to be their true selves at work, wellbeing, choosing when and where they work \u2013 as their reason\/s for wanting to leave a company.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe believe that the traditional purpose of total reward \u2014 to attract, retain and motivate employees \u2014 still holds true, but employees have come to value (and demand) more than just money,\u201d said PwC.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Although Aurik Business Accelerator CEO Pavlo Phitidis admits that the remote working battle is a hard one to fight because many employees have become accustomed to flexibility, he noted that new recruits also expect it to be the norm, or almost a right.<\/p>\n\n\n\n