Page 5 - PA_Enterprise_September-2022
P. 5
PAE
1. Remote and hybrid work Virtual team building is one of the most quickly
Globalization and advances in technology growing remote work trends. Companies
led to a rise in remote work within the past increasingly turn to activities like online
decades. Pandemic shutdowns in 2020 sped murder mysteries, Zoom happy hours, and
up this growth. virtual trivia to engage remote employees.
Remote work offers employees benefits like Remote team building also has utility beyond
flexible working hours and no commutes. virtual offices. Even in more traditional
Employers often see higher rates of workplaces, many professionals travel or
productivity from staff, and can also cut have busy schedules. Coordinating team
overhead expenses via office rental costs. outings can be tricky, and often several team
Plus, remote work allows recruiters to pull members miss the gatherings. Virtual team
from a wider and more diverse candidate pool. events accommodate wider audiences. Zoom
events do not need travel time or parking
Organizations initially hesitant to allow hassles, participants can wear comfortable
employees to work from home now have clothes and call from the couch, and there is
evidence that virtual offices are practical a likely chance of spotting a pet or two. Plus,
and sustainable. Also, as more companies these gatherings are ideal for introverts with
offer remote work options, professionals who easily-drained social batteries, or parents who
want to work from home have more choices. are wary of leaving kids for too long.
Inflexible employers are likely to see higher
turnover rates from aspiring telecommuters. Online team building activities can supplement
in-person outings. The team can still gather for
An analysis from McKinsey predicts that in restaurant outings or retreats when possible,
the coming years, three to four times as many and Zoom game nights, remote dinners,
professionals will work remotely at least part and team Slack threads can fill in the gaps
of the week. The hybrid work model has between physical gatherings.
gained significant popularity, and experts
expect that many companies will shift to hybrid 3. Employee wellness
offices where employees work on-site at least The hectic pace of modern life has contributed
once or twice a week.
to a rise in anxiety and depression. Calls for
Smart organizations will spend energy self-care and employee health have increased
designing guidelines for telecommuting rather as awareness of mental illness and work
than wasting effort trying to force staff to revert stress has grown. The global pandemic
to more traditional work structures. crisis magnified the need for employee
wellness initiatives. Many folks struggle to
2. Virtual team building set boundaries and avoid burnout, especially
During the pandemic, many managers used when working from home, juggling multiple
Zoom for team building when coworkers responsibilities, and facing down outside
could not meet in person. However, with more adversity.
offices going fully or partially remote, there Workplace wellness trends are more essential
is a growing need for online team building.
September 2022 5
