Economic Uncertainty Threatens Flexi Work Model For Employees

The global pandemic brought a flexible work mode that included working from home. However, this work model, along with the hybrid work model, is now under threat due to economic uncertainty.

Recently, LinkedIn research indicated that 91% of business leaders believe that the flexi work model is under threat because of economic uncertainty.

The survey findings also showed that organizations would only invest a little in employer learning and development budgets.

Even though the hybrid working model is here to stay, one can still not help but expect a threat to the flexi work model.

Remote works are in decline

The economic recession is finally here, and economic uncertainty is at an all-time high.

To ensure that the organizations do not feel the brunt of it, businesses across the globe are downsizing themselves and changing how they work. The same is visible from the fact that the remote roles on LinkedIn are now declining.

However, employers are still seeking remote work. Currently, there is a mismatch between the expectations of employers and employees. A growing disconnect is now visible between both sets of professionals, which can give rise to many other problems.

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The employers have the advantage

There is a clash of expectations between the employees and the employers, and the employers will win the war. It is because hiring across the globe has slowed down, and now, the power is shifting back to the employers.

Therefore, the employees will have no other option but to fulfil the expectations of the employers if they want to keep their job safe.

Even though the flexi work model has its own set of advantages, it also comes with plenty of disadvantages.

Previously, these disadvantages did not receive severe treatment. However, now in the battle for survival during the recession, it is nearly impossible to neglect the weaknesses of the flexi-work model. Below are a few reasons why flexi work models are now under threat.

Unmonitored performance

When employees are working from home, the employees need to engage in self-regulation, which is tough.

Also, as a result, it is common for people working from home to take frequent breaks and laze around. On the other hand, it becomes difficult for leaders and managers to monitor the performance of the employees.

Therefore, many leaders believe it is crucial to ensure that people start working from an office where they can efficiently monitor the activities of their employees. It comes from the belief that monitored performance yields higher productivity.

Distractions at home are costing the organization

Even though a flexi work model is helpful for the employees as it gives them the much-needed work-life balance, it is less advantageous for the organization. Firstly, the distractions at home are many.

For instance, a Glassdoor survey indicated that 32% of American employees accepted that television is a massive distraction for them, followed by childcare.

Organizations now want their employees to focus on the task at hand to get the desired result. Therefore, they need to ensure the employees stay focused while working from home.

Team-building difficulties

Although numerous communication tools are available online to keep the team connected, it is only possible to engage in some team-building activities remotely.

Difficulty in maintaining team bonding amongst the various team members can have a devastating impact on the employees. It includes, but is not limited to, alienation and increasing burnout. Team-building can be only efficient when everyone is in the same space.

What can the organizations do?

Currently, all organizations are focusing on ensuring that the company survives. However, at the same time, the organization must also ensure its employees’ well-being. Only when a balance between the two is maintained is it possible to ensure business resilience, which is now required.

Therefore, employers should seek employee feedback to find a mid-way that works for both. Even though the power lies in the hands of the employers, it should not be misused to engage the employees in activities they are not interested in. Keeping everyone on the same page was never this important!

Image source: Maria Korneeva via Getty Images, free on CanvaPro

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