Hybrid work models are becoming the new standard, with 73% of workers wanting flexible remote work options to continue. However, leaders are out of touch with employees and need a wake-up call. The majority of leaders (61%) believe they are thriving, 23% more than those without decision-making authority. This disconnect is exacerbated by the fact that more than half of leaders plan to return to an office-centric culture as COVID-19 pandemic restrictions ease.
Employees on the other hand, are less optimistic. Over 40% of the global workforce is considering leaving their employer this year and 46% plan to move because they can now work remotely. In the UK, 49% of workers feel overworked and 39% feel exhausted.
There’s a digital overload with the shift to remote work. Despite meeting durations decreasing by 20%, the number of meetings, emails, and chats have increased significantly.
To bridge this disconnect, companies must focus on three areas: creating a plan for extreme flexibility, investing in space and technology to bridge the physical and digital world, and battling digital exhaustion. The future of work will require a new operating model putting people at the centre.
Go to source article: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/worklab/work-trend-index/great-expectations-making-hybrid-work-work