Modern Workplace Strategy: Practical Tips for Success with Remote Work 

Modern Workplace Strategy

An Article by Stephanie Werner

Founding Partner, Integris Group Services

Is your organisation adapting to the modern workplace strategy of supporting remote work, wellbeing, and resilience? 

As we navigate the rapidly changing landscape of the modern workplace, it is essential to anticipate and adapt to the new operating climate, as well as the needs and expectations of our people.

At Integris Group Services, we are committed to helping our clients in this evolving environment by implementing an effective Modern Workplace Strategy. 

There are also valuable resources that provide a broader look at the modern workplace [i], but here we focus on practical strategies such as remote working, employee wellbeing, and organisational resilience to help your organisation succeed. 

Strategies for Working Remotely: The New Normal 

The COVID-19 pandemic has permanently changed the way we work, making flexible working a key feature of the modern workplace. To thrive in this new environment, organisations should: 

Invest in Technology

  • Equip your team with reliable collaboration tools such as Zoom, Microsoft Teams, and Slack.
  • Ensure everyone has access to necessary hardware like laptops and high-speed internet, essential for seamless Remote Working Strategies. 

Develop Robust Policies

  • Create clear remote work policies that outline expectations for availability, communication protocols, and performance metrics.
  • Regularly review and update these policies based on feedback and evolving needs, ensuring they align with Employee Wellbeing and Organisational Resilience. 

Foster a Remote Culture

  • Schedule regular virtual team meetings and social events to maintain team cohesion.
  • Encourage informal check-ins and use collaboration platforms to keep everyone connected.
  • A strong remote culture also fosters Workplace Diversity and Inclusion by allowing people from different locations and backgrounds to collaborate effectively. 

Employee Wellbeing: A Strategic Priority 

The importance of employee wellbeing has been magnified by the pandemic. To support your workforce effectively, and contribute to Organisational Resilience, consider these strategies: 

Embrace Flexible Working Arrangements:

Work with your employees to set working hours that suit both their ability to succeed in their role as well as their need for work-life balance. These arrangements are key to thriving in a modern workplace that values Employee Wellbeing and supports a people-first approach to organisational culture [ii].

Enable Access to Mental and Physical Health Support:

Offer access to mental health resources such as counselling services or an Employee Assistance Program (EAP). Promote physical health through virtual fitness classes or wellness challenges, ensuring a holistic approach to Employee well-being in the modern workplace. 

Adopt Empathetic Leadership Principles:

Train managers to recognise signs of stress and burnout. Encourage open conversations about mental health and provide support as needed, fostering a culture of support that enhances both Employee well-being and Organisational resilience. Effective leadership [iii], rooted in empathy, addresses immediate concerns and strengthens teams over the long term by fostering trust and resilience. 

Organisational Resilience: Building a Future-Ready Workforce 

Building organisational resilience is crucial for adapting to change and overcoming disruptions.  Practical steps include:

Continual Learning

Provide access to online courses and certifications through your internal LMS or other external platforms such as Coursera or LinkedIn Learning. Encourage employees to dedicate time each week to skill development. 

Adaptive Leadership

Hold regular strategy sessions to discuss market changes and potential impacts on the business. Encourage leaders to adopt a growth mindset and remain flexible in their approaches.

Agility and Innovation

Foster a culture that encourages creative thinking and innovation. Provide opportunities for employees to propose new ideas, and reward innovative solutions. This mindset will help the organisation quickly adapt to new opportunities and threats. 

The Role of Data and Insights

Data-driven decision-making is essential for shaping an effective modern workplace strategy. To leverage data effectively: 

Humanise Employee Development and Performance Improvement

Use data to tailor employee development plans and recognition programs, ensuring they meet your workforce’s specific needs and preferences. 

Utilise Analytics for Organisational HR Trends

Use HR analytics tools to monitor key metrics like employee engagement, turnover rates, and productivity. Regularly review these metrics to identify trends and areas for improvement. 

Embrace AI and Machine Learning for Workforce Productivity

Integrate AI tools to automate routine tasks, such as scheduling meetings or analysing large data sets, freeing up time across your team to focus on more strategic-level activities. 

Embracing Diversity and Inclusion 

Diversity and inclusion are critical for a thriving workplace. Practical steps to foster an inclusive environment include: 

Inclusive Policies

Develop and implement policies that promote diversity in hiring, endorse pay equality, and support career advancement. Regularly review these policies to ensure they remain effective for your organisation and for your team.

Diverse Perspectives

By valuing different viewpoints, organisations can drive innovation and better problem-solving. Do this by creating diverse teams to bring multiple perspectives to decision-making processes, encouraging open dialogue and active listening, as well as run training sessions on unconscious bias.

Supportive Environment

Provide diversity training for all employees. Celebrate cultural events and milestones to promote understanding and respect within the workplace. Create employee resource groups to support underrepresented communities and foster a sense of belonging.

In Conclusion 

A successful Modern Workplace Strategy demands a practical approach that embraces remote working, prioritises employee wellbeing, builds organisational resilience, and uses data-driven insights to stay competitive.

Hybrid meeting in a modern workplace with a mix of in-person and remote team members collaborating.

At Integris Group Services, we are here to help organisations navigate this evolving landscape with strategies that lead to lasting success. By staying ahead of trends and fostering a supportive and inclusive culture, businesses can adapt and thrive in the modern work environment.

But are you ready to embrace these changes and drive your organisation forward?

It is essential for organisations to remain agile and open to new ideas. The ability to anticipate and respond to emerging trends will be key to sustaining success and driving long-term growth. We are dedicated to guiding our clients through these changes and helping them achieve their full potential in the dynamic world of work.