A solution for all?
What really keeps employees in the company is a bundle of factors such as:
- Communication and appreciation
- Remuneration
- Areas of responsibility
- Job security
- Working environment, working hours, commuting
The more optimal these conditions are for the individual, the better his or her loyalty to the company.
However, the people in the company are as different as their needs: One fits it all solutions can therefore not generate the same employee loyalty to all talents.
Who works how well in the home office
The more comfortable you feel at work, the more effective and successful your tasks will be. Those who enjoy this feeling with their employer are intuitively more committed to the company.
Home offices can have a positive or negative impact on well-being, depending on your personality type. And the working environment at home also plays a role here.
Those who may have more difficulty with working in a home office:
- Extroverts who thrive on personal contact
People with extroverted character flourish when they are surrounded by people. With personal interaction, they become creative and productive. They need to feel part of a group and are looking for conversations – small talk in the office corridor gets them the best ideas.
- Those who love routine
Everyone likes a change of scenery now and then – but for some, it’s crucial to make it work. Getting up, getting dressed and going to an office is essential for these people to separate themselves from the daily routine at home. Then they can concentrate and be productive – outside their own living space at a specific workplace.
- Distressed home office users
A free workplace with quiet and reliable Internet is not always available at home. Especially when Corona spontaneously moved to the home office, the setup at home was not optimal for some to be able to work efficiently. Distractions such as children and family can interfere and cause stress.
Who can benefit from working in a home office in the long term:
- Introverts who draw strength from calmness
They thrive in the contrasting work environment of the extrovert – peak performance is achieved when they are not in company or distracted by conversation and human interaction. These colleagues prefer the home office as a quiet workplace where they can complete their tasks without company.
- Those with an all-around remote workspace
Proper home furnishings have a direct impact on productivity and efficiency. A dedicated office area with a desk, internet and good lighting is the best basis.
- Those who can draw boundaries
Those who can draw a line between work and private life can work from home more easily. Clearly distinguishing between working time and free time is important for recovery periods – even if the work equipment is next door. Emails and messages should be handled during work hours, not anytime they pop up on your phone.
- Flexibility lovers (including those with good reason)
If you hate commuting and like to work in a comfortable outfit, love being barefoot, wish you could go for a run during your lunch break or do your laundry whenever it suits you – home office definitely makes you happy. But flexibility is not just for pleasure. It also makes it easier to take care of children, for example, or to generally invest time in more meaningful activities instead of commuting – such as involvement in charitable causes.
Home office as a retention factor
Meanwhile, the home office option is also important as a selection factor for new candidates in the job search. Job platforms have recently included the “remote” workplace in their search functions.
Home Office binds talents with corresponding desires to the company instead of having the opposite effect. Those unhappy with the office situation have a growing job market ahead of them with remote office options.
State of remote work report, OwlLab:
Companies that encourage home office have 25% less employee turnover
Employee retention - concrete tips
But how can employee retention, a sense of belonging and productive collaboration succeed if the team is not present at the same time and works in different locations?
- Communicate effectively and regularly: When employees work remotely, clear and consistent communication is essential to keep them informed and engaged. This can be done through regular video or phone calls, email updates, and team meetings.
- Provide opportunities for social interaction: Home offices can be isolating, so it’s important to give your team the opportunity to connect with their colleagues. This can be done through virtual team building activities, online social events, or regular meetings with colleagues.
- Promote a healthy work-life balance: Home offices can blur the lines between work and personal life, so it’s important to help employees set boundaries and find a healthy balance. This can be done through flexible scheduling and encouraging regular breaks.
- Invest in the right technology: Home offices require the right technology to be successful. That’s why it’s important to invest in tools that help employees stay connected and productive. These include, for example, video conferencing software, project management tools and collaboration platforms, and feedback.
- Offer recognition and rewards: employee retention is often driven by engagement and motivation, so it’s important to offer regular recognition and rewards for a job well done. This can be done through bonuses, promotions and other incentives that recognize and reward employees for their hard work and contributions.
Want to dive deeper into the topic? Then check this:
The magic feedback
In times of new work and digital communication tools, old routines are being rethought. With the right feedback methods, you increase productivity in the team and your attractiveness as an employer.
How to build a strong employer retention in the home office
Digital working offers advantages for the environment, efficiency and work-life balance that weigh heavily in the balance. And productivity remains stable.
Hire to retire: How no one wants to quit anymore
A properly designed Employee Experience keeps people on the team because their expectations are met. People who like their job talk well about their employer & strengthen the employer brand.
