Amidst the many virtual calls and remote meetings Canadians have shared to adapt, an important conversation around workplace structures has emerged in recent years. Not only have businesses managed to survive the alternative work measures imposed by the pandemic, but many have discovered the unexpected benefits of remote and hybrid work. Is the future of work in sight, or has it already begun?
“The pandemic accelerated the conversation around evolving working norms and what the future of work might look like,” says David Boon, CEO of Staples Canada. “Businesses were already looking for new ways to keep employees engaged and productive.” In partnership with the Angus Reid Group, Staples Canada conducted an online survey among a representative sample of 1,010 employees and 505 employers within Canada. future of work trends report, The result is a comprehensive portrait of Canada’s workforce eager for workplace structures that regenerate flexibility, work-life balance and productivity.
in discussion with Canadian businessBoone shares key findings from the Future of Work trends report, what it means for Canadian small businesses and the tools they need to set themselves (and their employees) up for success.
Why is now such an important moment for the future of work?
The pandemic acted as a catalyst, triggering conversations about where, when and how we work. As we continue to embrace new working norms, we are seeing that some companies still lack a clear plan for how they work. Being flexible and landing the right mix of in-office versus hybrid work is a real balancing act. In addition, The Future of Work Trends report found that 65% of respondents are currently fully remote or hybrid working.
Is hybrid work here to stay?
The short answer is yes. Whether a business operates in a hybrid model or their customers do, it is safe to say that most will require some flexibility with regards to workspace and protocol. Hybrid work isn’t just about the number of days in the office versus at home; It’s about an organization’s ability to have protocols in place to support hybrid work – through things like virtual meetings and workplace setups. It is also about flexibility in working hours, with 70% of our survey respondents stating the importance of flexibility with different working models.
What role is productivity playing in defining the future of work?
After getting used to working from home seamlessly, 50% of employees are worried about being distracted and losing productivity in the office, something employers are underestimating. People want to work smarter, not harder.
How is Staples addressing productivity amid the future of work?
Home office set-ups have a big impact on productivity and many workers are running errands without employer support. A key finding from the report was that a quarter of hybrid and remote workers describe their workspace as only adequate or poor, and they are less likely to have basic elements like dedicated desks or proper lighting. Additionally, 55% of employees are missing an ergonomic chair or desk altogether. The Ergocentric Collection at Staples is a solution designed to provide the proper support for healthy workplaces.
What are the most pressing issues, from the findings of the Future of Work trends report Related to Canadian small businesses and their employees?
Angus Reid survey respondents told us that only 35% of employers had communicated clear guidelines for remote and hybrid work beyond 2022. This number was a huge wake-up call for us when we thought about how we serve the consumers and companies that they trust. We.
How is Staples supporting Canadians in their home offices?
At Staples, our business priority is to provide hybrid work solutions that include ergonomics, wellness solutions, and the adoption of connectivity and mobile solutions. Ultimately, we aim to provide them with the tools they need to succeed. Canadian techs can find a vast selection of home office equipment including adjustable ergonomic chairs as well as dedicated desks so they feel well supported and productive from wherever they are working.
Outside of products, Staples also has the expertise to support Canadians in hybrid work. We brought together a group of experts to do our part Work from anywhere with an advisory boardhelping us provide valuable insights and practical solutions for the new world of work.
How do you suggest that small and medium-sized businesses embrace office flexibility?
Leaders of all organizations, regardless of size, need to work with their employees to identify what they really need in terms of incentives and not implement a ‘one-size-fits-all’ solution. needed. At Staples, we aim to understand what our employees will need to return to an office setting that allows for collaboration and connectivity with colleagues and teams. Providing flexibility, a dedicated workspace and dual monitors are just some of the solutions we support.
Can Incentives Really Make a Difference?
From our findings, the top three drivers that bring employees to the office include special perks, flexible office days and dedicated space free of distractions – presenting an area of opportunity for many employers. While only half of employers are currently offering incentives to encourage a return to the office, there is certainly demand.
