We’re used to working from home by now, but what do we need to consider before winter arrives? asks Rachel Houghton.
Many of us have spent the last six months working from home. We’re used to it by now, but what do we need to consider before winter arrives?
Organisations have embraced the potential of homeworking as a long-term viable option, to work in conjunction with or instead of office-based working. Workplace and facilities leaders need to consider how this could affect attitude, motivation and behaviour. How do you keep motivated or motivate others when you’re not in a physical room with everyone?
Evidence shows that one’s environment can affect mood, attitude, health and performance. But it works the other way around too. Perhaps our attitude towards our work affects our mood, which impacts on the way we experience our environment?
Since this dynamic works both ways, workplace leaders can help their teams make the most of their environments, wherever they may be.
“How do you keep motivated or motivate others when you’re not in a physical room with everyone?”
Not everyone has a dedicated workspace but there are ways to create effective work environments at home – and these needs change as time ticks on. For those that continue to work from home, consider delivering home office supplies and set-ups to ensure that every employee has what they need to create a workspace that works for them. If we’re in it for the long haul, let’s make the journey as comfortable as possible.
We’ve seen workplace management evolve in recent years. It encompasses the provision and smooth running of physical, social and virtual infrastructures and it works across the realms of property, HR and tech. It’s a people profession and the main way workplace leaders can motivate the masses is to be visible and keep in touch. Show people you care and celebrate the little things.
Rachel Houghton is managing director at Business Moves Group (BMG)
