- Coaching
- Collaboration
- Community
These are all altruistic and employee-minded. However, in many instances, the reality is that employers prefer seeing the staff at their desks.
One recent conversation revealed that it was because there was a better “vibe” when everyone was in the office – but this is a little self-serving. It is proven that happy employees are loyal employees (and usually hard-working to boot). So, it has become a juggling act for managers of diverse teams; some with young children or located further afield, to provide an egalitarian policy as everyone has different needs. One thing is for sure, with the talent shortage (discussed in an earlier newsletter article here), a compromise needs to be reached that meets individuals’ needs, or they will vote with their feet. The principle is now “Flexible Working” (come in one or two days a week), where individuals can choose, rather than hybrid working (you must come in on a Tuesday and Thursday). Nevertheless, when employees entirely WFH it is true that the energy and positive interaction of meeting face to face is often missing.
This is why I love chatting to the locals when drinking my iced Cappuccinos in the morning or lady petrol (rose wine) later on in the day. The Greek way of living (and working) may be very different but there are a lot of very smart, hard working people here.