As organizations develop strategies to bring their workforces back to the office as the pandemic ends, the Council’s Human Resources Committee recognized the need to provide additional information to help members think through their decisions. The committee partnered with PwC to develop a five-part Post-Pandemic Workforce Series, which launched April 20 and will continue over the next several weeks.
During the series, PwC experts will address how to initiate a dialogue around considerations for the post-pandemic workforce, discuss opportunities to reimagine ways of working, and share experiences, survey findings and ideas about what to expect when the pandemic is over.
The kickoff session started with PwC’s Cydney Aiken discussing how the pandemic is accelerating changes in the way people work, some of which were already beginning to take shape. She said the pandemic advanced organizational changes that address underlying currents in the workplace and disrupted the view of business and its role in society. She said organizations need to think about tailoring workplace solutions for different groups of employees and develop broader talent strategies.
“The impact of COVID-19 has put a magnifying glass on the key megatrends. Demographic shifts, technology and agility, the rise of the flexible career and environmental awareness have all skyrocketed. The focus on talent trends haven’t changed either, they have just been magnified as well.”
Cydney Aiken, Director, People and Organization, PwC
According to PwC surveys of CEOs this year, three-fourths of top executives are concerned about the availability of the skills their companies will need to grow, Aiken said. CEOs are also extremely concerned about future pandemics and health crises. The top three areas drawing the focus of CEOs are growth strategies, planned investments and building trust.
[su_box title=”KEY FINDINGS” box_color=”#3d90c7″ radius=”0″ class=”style=’width: 25%;'”]PwC’s employee surveys found that 32% of workers believe work from anywhere options have improved over the past year, but employee confidence in being able to do their job is falling.
Half of workers said discrimination is holding them back at work.
Approximately 72% prefer a mix of in-person and remote working — just 9% want a traditional commute and work environment full time.
While 39% of employees worry their jobs will be obsolete in five years, 50% are optimistic they can meet challenges of work in the future, and 77% want to reskill.[/su_box]
The surveys also revealed areas where employer investments in well-being are missing the mark with workers. PwC found that 84% of chief financial officers believe their company has successfully addressed employee wellness. Just 31% of employees agree. Among remote workers, that number is 27%. Among women, ages 35-44: 22%.
The session included appearances from each of the PwC experts who will present one of the five sessions. They provided a sneak peek into what they’ll discuss in greater depth.
Aiken closed with some “no regret moves” attendees could make immediately:
- understand the needs of your people through sentiment data, ideation and focus groups
- embrace the opportunity that comes by building an inclusive, flexible and hybrid workforce
- break down silos to align growth and workforce plans across your organization
Peggy Helfert, Senior Director Programs and Events, writes about the Council’s sector-specific best practices and leadership. Click here to subscribe to the Council’s newsletter, which highlights industry practices, workforce development, Council activities and more.
