Human Resources in the Post-Pandemic Era Part I

The pandemic has turned our world upside down, and while we struggle to get through to the post-pandemic part of this story companies and organizations are struggling with determining the best path forward, and what things should look like in the future. Some organizations have embraced the full remote approach. Others are planning around a hybrid approach, while some are looking at getting back to the way things were as soon as possible. For some, there is no luxury of this being a choice.

Regardless of where you are on the decision making process or what you feel is the best path forward one thing is clear: this is not going to be easy.

Over the next few weeks, we are going to be sharing data with the aim of helping HR professionals and organizations during these times of decisions and changes. Starting with a look at where workers were before the pandemic and what their work situation is currently.

When asked about the balance they would like to see when it comes to time in the office and working remotely, a majority of American workers are looking for an all-or-nothing approach, while 1 in 5 are looking for a perfect 50/50 balance. Regardless what employees want is flexibility.

Making things even more difficult for the HR department is that what flexibility means is different depending on the age of the employee, where they live, and if they are a parent or not.

All of this is helping fuel the Great Resignation which, according to our data, is here to stay. Indeed, close to a third of Americans are currently looking for a new place to call home (about half of this group is looking to move as soon as possible).

If keeping workers is tough, attracting them is just as difficult. Those actively looking are not just asking for more money, but better benefits, more flexibility, etc. And which is most important depends on the person and their life situation. While this is not an impossible situation for the HR department, it certainly is not easy.