Zooming In: Individual Employees in a Corporate Landscape

It’s no news that everything has changed in the corporate world after 2020.

The COVID-19 global pandemic that hit the world served as a catalyst in the shift of things in the employment scheme of things.

Most employees were used to going to their 9 to 5 jobs, five days a week – resigned to this routine until their retirement.

However, when the pandemic brought the world to a sudden halt, life was no longer the same as we knew it. It ushered in a realization among employees - the individual employee began to see that there’s more to life than having a means of mere survival.

As a result, this led to the Great Resignation at the start of 2021. Some companies were forced to bend, by decreasing their operating hours due to the lack of employees and applicants who’d replace the ones who left, rather than break and close their business.

Given this situation, a question you must be asking yourself is how can you as an HR manager or leader build a bridge between the success and continuity of your company and the latest needs of the individual employee?

Recognizing the individual employee

Before the pandemic hit, businesses operated with the majority of employees either coming to work wearing a uniform or complying with a certain dress code – greatly signifying unity and the oneness of the company.

At a glance, you can see these groups of people as a single unit functioning under a certain brand – there’s no way of identifying them individually and are all seen collectively.

However, fast forward to today, instead of holding on to uniformity, several companies have already adapted to the call of modern times – recognizing the individual employee.

To illustrate an example, some employees now have the freedom to wear whatever works for them and makes them comfortable. As they become more at ease doing their jobs, this results in a more efficient and happier workforce, consequently leading to (you guessed it) a more productive workplace.

As a leader you already know what works and you know that cultivating a work environment where employees can thrive as individuals, regardless if they’re on their own or part of a team, nurtures a culture of connection and commitment in the company.

Re-harnessing the individual’s strengths

During the recruitment process every candidate is scrutinized to see if the applicant fits the job – each one is interviewed, tested, and profiled in order to know if a particular job-seeker will be an asset to your company.

After all these steps, you’d finally find your cream of the crop among the numerous applicants, you’d witness how they’ve proven their worth over time, and how they’ve greatly contributed to the growth of your company.

The next question is, how can you keep them committed and motivated?

The COVID-19 pandemic has evoked self-actualization among people. In terms of employment during the imposed lockdowns, after spending more time at home, working in comfort and in the company of their families, and actually having more time for themselves, the majority of the workforce answered the call of life.

Employees have realized what matters most for them, like a better work-life balance. Their needs and expectations are clearer more than ever.

Finding a balance between the personal self and the corporate identity has never been as prevalent.

Boundaries are much more clearly drawn and observed today.

Growth of employees in terms of interests, needs, and careers is sought after by the workforce.

This is where you, as an HR manager or business leader, can play a key role and make your company a place where your employees can work and grow at the same time.

You can look into transforming your business policies, culture, and design to adapt to the current trend in the corporate scene.

Come on, it’s time to get to know your individual employee!

What are the components of nurturing your workforce?

Technically speaking, there are several factors to consider here. Opting to focus on three main points that can make a huge impact in your business (in a good way) is a great way to start:

Company culture

Establishing a strategic culture in your business that promotes work-life balance can guarantee a steady and healthy environment in the company.

Knowing the primary consensus of your employees’ interests and needs, even listening to their individual demands, through open communication can pave the way to keeping committed and motivated members of the workforce.

It is also vital to enrich a culture of transparency, trustworthiness, and inspirational leadership.

Don’t forget to recognize the efforts of your employees as it gives them the sense of appreciation, belongingness, and relevance.

Seeing and treating the employee as an individual, rather than as a mere resource, can go miles when it comes to the overall welfare of the company.

Read more: How Your Company Culture Informs Employee Work-Life Balance

Technology

Technology played a major role in the corporate world during the global pandemic which started in 2020.

When people were left with no other choice but to work from home, everyone resorted to gadgets and relying on installed apps that serve as the sole means to communicate with colleagues.

Fast forward to the post-pandemic era, technology has become more important as it serves as the primary channel for business communication across the globe.

Although some are going back to the usual office setup, technology continues to help businesses that prefer to adapt to the “new normal” setup.

People save time by eliminating the hassle of commuting, giving employees the opportunity to do other things. The workforce also gained the flexibility to work anywhere (and anytime) they want to.

It has enabled the better work-life balance people crave for – supporting both the personal self and the corporate identity.

Utilizing technology can certainly help employees establish a boundary between their two worlds – empowering the individual worker to have a grasp of self and time.

Employee learning

Fostering career growth in the workplace can mean investing in the strength of your workforce. Recognizing their skills and interest and honing these often result in better and progressive operations.

Don’t hesitate to upskill your employees to keep up with the changing trends in the corporate world; it will help you in the long run!

When the members of your workforce realize that your company gives them the opportunity to learn and develop their skills, this can help them build confidence, satisfy their curiosity, and perform better at work.

The practice of giving coaching points and feedback when necessary also helps in their professional growth.

This open communication becomes an avenue to customize and personalize the learning experience of the individual employee - the specifics of the job are addressed which will consequently improve the company’s overall performance.

Zooming out

The rise of the individual employee is another opportunity presenting itself to elevate your business.

Though it is easier to put your attention upon, and look at, the whole picture, it will never hurt to turn your gaze towards the details that make up your company’s beautiful landscape.

Nurturing your business from the roots – keeping your workforce committed and motivated – can guarantee that it will endure anything that can happen in the unforeseeable future.