The future of work presents many challenges. Companies already understand that the methods they’ve been using over the last two decades in order to engage their employees are not up to date. Employers must evolve if they are to attract new talents.
We asked Mali Alcobi, HR influencer and Speaker, to share a couple of future of worktrends which could assist companies in taking a leap towards the future of work and to better engage their employees.
4-Day Work Week
The 4-Day Work Week community was established three years ago as a non-profit community. Founded by Andrew Barnes and Charlotte Lockhart, the community provides a platform for like-minded people interested in supporting the 4-day week initiative as part of the future of work. According to the community, COVID-19 made it clear we can find a better work-life balance. Mali Alcobi is the official Israeli representative of the 4-Day Work Week community. The 4-Day Work Week initiative is based on Parkinson’s law, which found that work expands to fill the time allotted for its completion. This may mean you take longer than necessary to complete a task or that you work on completing a task just before its’ due date. The 4-day workweek movement asks employers to change their 5-day work week into four days a week with a 100/80/100 approach. Employees get 100% of their salary, work 80% of the week, and provide 100% production. Employees commit to continue working with the same objectives.
During the 4-day work week transition, companies should provide tools that include technology, production measurement (YOW’s insider: Stay tuned!), unnecessary meeting reductions, meeting management tools and more. The movement published mid-point research results, which project that 63% of businesses found it easier to attract and retain talents while working in a 4 day week, 78% of their employees are happier and less stressed. 46% of respondents stated their business productivity has ‘maintained the same level performance’, while 34% report that it had ‘slightly improved’, and 15% stated it had ‘significantly improved.’
Work from Anywhere
Allowing employees to work from anywhere is another trend Mal Alcobii shared with us and is a huge benefit for employees. Some companies offer employees to once a year take 4-6 weeks off in order to work a-synchronically from anywhere they wish. Let’s be clear – this is not a vacation. It’s a new way to allow employees to travel and see the world whilst keeping their job, completing their tasks, and achieving their objectives. Some companies allow their employees to travel but to remain at the same time zone so that their availability is maintained as if they working during regular office hours. Imagine working for a company that adopts both the 4 Day Work Week and Work from Anywhere trends. What would it be like working there? Imagine being able to travel the Caribbeans for a few weeks, working only 4 days a week and continuing exploring for the rest of the week. All whilst the employer increases their productivity and employee engagement.