Whether this work-from-home trend will continue, and what its long-term impact on productivity will be, is, however, far from clear. One of the most interesting aspects to consider is the potential loss of a multi-generational workforce as a result of the work-from-home imperative. Today’s workforce can include up to four generations working side by side - even a young 5th generation could be added. While this has its challenges, it also brings unique opportunities for symbiotic relationships from which all can benefit.
Each generation brings its unique set of values, attitudes and behaviours. In South Africa, these are defined as:
Age diversity in the workplace is seen in a positive light for both the organisation and the individual, according to a rather dated, but still relevant 2015 report by the UK’s Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development. Its research found that there is “widespread appreciation that a workplace with only one generation is less effective and is not as enjoyable to work in”. Key benefits identified were:
How has Covid-19 changed this? Nicolas Bloom, a senior fellow at the Stanford Institute for Economic Policy Research, has previously supported working from home, saying that it leads to increased productivity and reduces resignations.
But now, four factors - children, space, privacy and choice – have changed this in Covid-19. The new challenges, he argues, are:
As we are aware, in South Africa many people live in crowded spaces and lack the privacy required for optimal delivery.
Working from home also loses the benefits of an intergenerational mix. Large numbers of younger people need the input of an older generation to provide practical work experience, especially for those undergoing learnerships. South Africa is a social nation; the ubuntu value that underpins our society depends on socialisation in many contexts, including at work. Working from home disconnects people in a way that online meetings cannot compensate for.
Corporate culture is also impacted, and will no longer be shaped by our personal experiences at work; instead it could just become the paper statements common in many corporates!
The rituals of sharing in the delight of an achievement, or birthdays, have already changed to a WhatsApp or Facebook message, adding to the feeling of being dislodged from interpersonal stimulation.
There is no handbook to guide us in the Covid-19 era. We are learning as we go. Companies and organisations should bear in mind the cultural, social and professional aspects when planning for a future that may yet continue to be dominated by extremely taxing times due to uncertainty defining how the future will look.