It would be an understatement to say that these are uncertain and challenging times for businesses and employees alike. The pandemic and its economic effects have upended the way enterprises operate, rapidly advanced digital migration, and left entire industries stumbling in the dark. So, with that in mind, let’s take a closer look at some of the challenges faced by the modern workplace.

Remote Working

Prior to the pandemic, only 17% of American workers used the web to work remotely for at least five days a week. Today, it’s estimated that about 44% now pursue their careers in remote work settings. While remote working has allowed many to stay employed or find work from home, it’s also the reason why many workers have had such a hard time adjusting to the new normal.

Employee Engagement

After years of reporting for work at physical offices, many in the modern workforce are finding it harder to communicate, establish mutual connections, and remain satisfied with their jobs through remote work. As always, employee engagement continues to be a challenge for the workplace.

Tech Literacy

Tech literacy is an obvious challenge in the digital era and will determine your overall ability to adapt. From simple messaging and video conferencing to apps and other software that streamline daily workflows, new technology poses both challenges and solutions to problems with digital transformation.

Employee Wellness

Remote workers juggle both home and work-related responsibilities. While the modern workplace presents many opportunities for healthy pursuits, a work-life balance continues to elude many workers.

Long-Term Solutions

Develop a Hybrid Workplace

In a nutshell, hybrid working combines in-person and remote work opportunities in order to accommodate the needs of both enterprises and employees. The hybrid workplace model comes with its own challenges and is far from perfect. But in the right hands, it can be used to balance the benefits and disadvantages of both in-person and remote work. This is why hybrid has become a popular work model among digital enterprises.

Provide Technical and Human Support

Make sure that your employees have everything they need to fully participate in the new workplace normal. If necessary, provide them with the hardware, Internet connection, and other technical resources they need to perform at full capacity. Help them navigate the communication apps or workflow platforms that have become commonplace in the digital daily grind. And don’t stop with just technical support. Nowadays, it’s also important to help employees maintain their physical and mental health. Offer online counseling options for those who want it. Maintain the regularity of non-work-related activities through online yoga classes, casual chats, or even gaming sessions. Use courier services to safely send workers congratulatory gifts for jobs well done. These are just some of the ways business owners can keep employees engaged and satisfied in the remote/hybrid working era.

Hire a Qualified HR Manager

Any of the aforementioned solutions can be implemented much easier and efficiently with a qualified HR manager by your side. These management professionals act as a bridge between business owners and day-to-day employees. This is why HR managers are in demand across various industries. In fact, despite the pandemic, HR careers in business administration are growing faster than most jobs – but are also only open to those with five or more years of administrative experience. Tasked with overseeing, communicating, and guiding all other employees, HR manager roles are typically filled as companies scale. And in the new normal, there will be even greater demand for qualified and competent HR managers who can help companies overcome the above challenges.

Written exclusively for  Trailblazersimpact.com by Andrea Chester