Now that the hybrid model of working seems to be here to stay, it is time to look at whether this new approach is sitting well with most professionals. According to the Work Trend Index 2021 report by Microsoft, business leaders and decision-makers seem to be doing far better than their struggling employees. A good 61 per cent of business leaders and those in decision-making capacities admit that they are thriving in this present hybrid world of work, while only 39 per cent are struggling. However, when it comes to their teams or employees working under them, the story is quite the opposite.
About 46 per cent of the married workforce are doing well compared to a significant 54 per cent that are struggling. Only 44 per cent working moms are managing well in the new normal, whereas the majority are struggling or somehow surviving. When it comes to GenZ, 40 per cent are thriving, while 60 per cent are surviving or struggling. Only a small percentage of frontline workers, that is, 39 per cent are managing to thrive, while most, that is, 51 per cent are struggling. As for the newer lot of employees who are less than a year old in the organisation, 36 per cent are thriving while an overwhelming 64 per cent admit that it is a major struggle for them. The single employees are also having it hard, with the majority (67 per cent) struggling and only 33 per cent managing to thrive.
More leaders in decision-making capacity have admitted to having developed stronger relationships with colleagues and having been able to take more vacations. Most of the business leaders who were part of the survey are more likely to be Millennials or Gen X, male, information workers, who have moved farely ahead in their careers. In sharp contrast, Gen Z, women, frontline workers, and those starting out on their careers have been struggling for most part of the past one year.
Clearly, there is a disconnect between leaders and their employees. With 37 per cent of the workforce, globally, stating that their employers are demanding too much from them amidst such challenging times, it is high time leaders established a connect with their workers.
This is the time employers need to show empathy and lend support to their employees. This can only happen if they are in connect with their employees. Since physical interactions are absent, leaders have to come up with new ways to connect with their teams, read their minds or facial expressions and recognise signs of distress in their tones, and address their issues without delay.
