Australian, UK & US Staff Feel Strain of Hybrid Working

Full-time US, UK and Australian staff are overwhelmed and feeling the strain of new hybrid arrangements, according to a new report.

Almost two-thirds (62%) of employees have used “burnt out” to describe their work in the last year, confirmed the study carried out by Enboarder; a platform designed to inspire action and engage employees. Information overload and eroding connections are not helping either, particularly for hybrid workers

The report, entitled 2021 People Insights Report: HR in the Age of Overwhelm, found that hybrid employees face unique collaboration and workplace challenges. Although 73% of employees say genuine collaboration takes more effort and planning today than it did before March 2020, hybrid employees are more likely to struggle. Around 64% of hybrid workers say it has become more difficult to keep everyone in the loop on projects or initiatives; compared to 56% of in-office and 49% of remote workers who said the same. Another 66% worry they’re missing out on collaboration opportunities when they’re not in the office. Burnout is also more common among hybrid employees; with 67% agreeing they used “burnt out” to describe work in the last year. 

Additionally, information overload is plaguing the workforce, especially managers, confirmed the report. Around 60% of managers say information overload keeps them from doing their job efficiently. In fact, more than half (55%) of managers say they need nights and weekends to think strategically about their jobs because they’re overwhelmed during the workday; while 61% receive 21 or more notifications in a day, compared to only 32% of entry-level workers. 

CREATING MEANINGFUL CONNECTIONS

The report also found that remote and hybrid work are eroding employees’ sense of connection. More than two-thirds (67%) of employees agree it’s very difficult to create and maintain meaningful connections with coworkers virtually; and 69% saying they don’t feel very connected to their coworkers today. But connection is key to motivating employees to do their best work. Around 82% of workers say they’re more motivated to work on a project or programme when they feel close to the team. Another 84% find it easier to do their best work when they feel close to the team with whom they’re working. 

Despite these widespread feelings of overwhelm, HR departments have yet to adjust to this new normal, the report noted. In fact, 65% of employees say they haven’t changed a behaviour or opinion because of an HR initiative in the past 12 months, while more than a third (36%) of employees say they haven’t made the most of the L&D programmes available at their organisation. This is primarily due to four factors, according to Enboarder’s research. This includes poorly timed communication; a lack of human connection; weak engagement; and too much friction.

HR VITAL TO MAINTAIN CONNECTION & ENGAGEMENT

In short, HR initiatives around hybrid working aren’t as effective as they could be, highlighted the study. “The way HR has communicated with employees and attempted to drive engagement with its programmes has historically been a challenge. Now, with employees more overwhelmed than ever before and hybrid environments leading to increasingly disconnected workplaces, HR is at risk of failure if it doesn’t change its approach,” stated Brent Pearson, Founder and CEO of Enboarder. “HR initiatives will continue to fall flat in driving change and engagement unless they incorporate the core components of people activation: ease, connection, engagement and nudge. By ensuring every HR programme incorporates these critical elements of the People Activation model, employers can design initiatives that truly engage employees, empower them to take action and do their best work.” 

Over the past 18 months, nearly everyone has had to adjust to new ways of working. “Our data shows that employees are struggling, and HR can play a pivotal role in alleviating their feelings of stress and burnout to create a more engaged, connected and productive workforce,” added Pearson. “HR departments that redesign their programmes and initiatives to incorporate the four pillars of People Activation will see higher employee engagement and measurable results; ultimately leading to happier employees and a more successful organisation.” 

To access Enboarder’s full report, click here.

Hybrid working may also inadvertently discriminate against individuals and groups, and drag businesses back decades, warned another study. Click here to read more.