How do government workers feel about the current push to return to the office?

In this edition of “Management Minutes With Mika,” workforce transformation expert Mika Cross discusses both the pros and cons of this workforce shift with Dr. Justin Velten, Ph.D., Co-Founder & CEO of Go Culture.

When asked about the response he’s seen about in-office work, Velten said it’s been mixed.

“There’s some who are excited for in-person work, as they’ve missed the social interaction,” he said. “There are others who are concerned, as they’re immunocompromised or care for someone who is, or they’re worried about being micromanaged or less productive.”

Employees need support right now as they are being asked to once again adjust to a new environment.

“It took a pandemic to change the traditional work environment model, and most people adapted because it was a life-or-death situation,” he said. “Now, we’re asking them to change again, but they don’t have that same sense of urgency.”

During this transitional time, Velten recommended soliciting and truly listening to the feedback of employees.

“Without employee feedback, leaders are truly just taking ideas, throwing them at the wall and seeing what sticks,” he said. “There’s a better way – you can take measure of your employees’ experience and track their progress so you have data that reflects not what ‘feels’ right, but what IS right.”

He added that you can’t be afraid of employee feedback, especially in the current recruitment climate.

For more insight from Cross and Velton, check out this video. You can also view our past Management Minutes With Mika segments here.