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Hello Reader,

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Are you in the middle of, or getting ready to go back to the office in person? Everyone I speak to these days seems to be contemplating what the workplace looks like in the aftermath of the pandemic. There is one set of people who believe that in order to be productive and efficient everyone needs to #returntowork. Another set is adamant in their belief that COVID has changed the workplace permanently. Now that we know that it is possible to #workfromhome, employees demand greater flexibility from their organizations. Is FLEXIBILITY limited to the ability to choose your time and place of work? Or does it apply to other areas of work/life too? And how much flexibility is too much? Many companies have valid concerns about collaboration between teams and dilution of work culture in a hybrid workplace.

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I was listening to a podcast by Adam Grant about rethinking flexibility at work. It's a great episode by the way. It's the first link in the resources below. It made me wonder whether we are so distracted by the physical location of work, that we are missing out on the bigger picture. In light of the Great Resignation, it does feel as if employees are empowered and have the option to redefine who they work for and from where. But are we focusing on the right choices? If the workplace really is evolving, shouldn't we aim for one with greater emphasis on employee wellness and work/life balance, among other things?

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People in operations oriented roles - like hospitality, retail, healthcare, public safety etc. do not have the option to work from home. What does flexibility look like for them? Are they even looking for flexibility or perhaps predictability in their work schedule? Similarly, parents with young children and care providers would prefer to have the flexibility of choice that allows them to support their families, while following their passions at work.

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When thinking about flexibility, I keep thinking about the example of the river that changes it's course anytime it meets an immovable obstacle. It's a good analogy. However, that change does not happen overnight. Unless there is a catastrophic flood, it takes many years for the river to change it's course. Is this pandemic the catalyst that will propel us to rethink the #futureofwork?

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What do you think? Is Flexibility overrated? Are we making too big a deal about where to work from? Are we asking the right questions? Let us know on our social media channels by clicking on the links below:

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Here's our bi-weekly reading (and listening) list on FLEXIBILITY:

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Podcast - Rethinking Flexibility at Work - Source: WorkLife with Adam Grant Listen on: Apple | Spotify​

Quick Take: “Flexibility” is the number one request people are making from employers. But flexibility is much more than WHERE you work–it also means having the freedom to make choices about what you work on, who you work with, and when and how often you work. This episode examines the science and practice of creating more autonomy– and making it work for people and organizations.

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​Why employee flexibility is the new workplace watchword - Source: Blog at BetterUp.com

Quick Take: "Workplace flexibility prioritizes the best circumstances for workers to thrive in. It embraces the idea that employees can be at their most productive no matter if they're in the office or sprawled on the sofa while at home on a weekday. Flexibility also emphasizes the humanity of workers. A team member might experience loss, personal difficulties, or an unplanned illness. Flexible work arrangements allow these workers to take time away from work, without compromising their position or pay."

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​Flexibly Rigid: Why Leaders Need to Balance Agility With Structure - Source: Blog at ThinDifference.com

Quick Take: "We need to be able to navigate the tension between being flexible and being rigid—to recognize what is possible to change and adapt, and just as importantly, to understand what must not change. We need to be willing to interrogate the structures around us, and to tear them down if they’re no longer working. We also need to be ready to defend the structures that are working, and not make radical changes just for change’s sake."

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​Why workers are choosing big pay packets over flexibility - Source: BBC

Quick Take - "Earlier in the pandemic, large swaths of workers reported willingness to take a pay cut if they secured the benefits they wanted. But in recent months, a shift has occurred: while flexibility is still high on the list, pay is moving center stage as a priority for job-seekers. Both knowledge- and blue-collar workers with particularly in-demand skillsets are enjoying sharp salary rises, as labor shortages impact some industries. These hikes are coming as workers of all stripes are facing rising living costs – and wondering if they, too, could find a better-paying role elsewhere. "

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What do you think of the new look of The EQrated? Please let me know at stef@yourturnsolutions.com. Please feel free to share this newsletter with people you know who might find value in it. They can also subscribe to the EQrated by clicking the button below.

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Ciao,

Stef