So, about flexible work. Salesforce is reopening its offices in San Francisco in May, but employees can work remotely through the end of the year. It’s three phases – the first is US employees in areas where coronavirus risk is flat or declining.
In context, Forrester has data about the flexible work models – the priority is cutting cost, improving IT support, and purchasing technology to support remote workers.
But most importantly – are workers ready? I’m highlighting a piece in Slate around work-related anxieties in regard to the return. In short – many employees are just not happy about it. Concerns over May or June being too early, social anxiety issues, the concept of wearing a mask all day or lack of consequences for those who don’t wear them all make the list of employee concerns. A theme emerges – lack of trust.
Why do we care?
<Include Jurassic Park line>. Your scientists were so preoccupied with if they could they didn’t think if they should.
Thanks to Malcolm for that insight, because it’s relevant.
A year and a bit ago in 2020, businesses had to move quickly to work from home and work from anywhere. It wasn’t optional. What’s different now is that it is optional. Business leaders have the ability to design and implement any return they want. At any speed they want. In fact, a good business leader now has two practical examples to compare – before, and now – and can design anything in between.
I’m really struck today by how many of the conversations are about the technology or the race to open – and not about what you SHOULD do. What builds the best organization to accomplish your business goals. You can do anything you want – now, what do you do, and why?
I’d argue you have all the priorities right from Forrester – but the missing and most valuable piece is the decision making around WHY. Do that for your own organization, and do that for customers.
