5 issues every organization should consider in planning their return to work

With vaccination hitting a critical mass that allows a return to the office, organizations around the globe are designing a new normal for their business operations. But employers and employees have a long list of concerns that need solutions and deliver confidence to the workforce.

A recent FlexJobs survey found 58% of remote workers would look for a new job if they were denied remote-work options.

Those surveyed listed concerns such as office distractions (34%), lack of health and safety measures (32%), and being away from family or pets (26%) as barriers to returning to work.

To be sure, with just 28% of workers back at the workplace, organizations are still rolling out their return-to-work efforts. Some chief issues include:

• Dispelling COVID-19 fears with clear expectations for the workplace.
• Maintaining flexible benefits and policies.
• Communicating all the changes and expectations effectively.
• Keeping a focus on the long-term Mental-Health impact of COVID-19.
• Whether to maintain remote or hybrid work in some capacity.