LETTER FROM THE PUBLISHER
Constant Change Calls for Constant Planning
PHOTO BY TERENCE DUFFY
A little more than a year ago , I moved the Comstock ’ s staff to a smaller office . It was part of a long-term plan to reduce costs . But I still wanted the staff to be happy in their new environment , so the space was freshly painted and computers and desks were comfortably arranged on top of new carpeting . Since then , very few people have stepped on the new carpet .
We have put out the last 15 issues of Comstock ’ s with almost all of the staff working from home . It shows that no matter how well we plan , the world we work in may have other ideas . These days we need to go deeper into the alphabet than Plan B .
In recent weeks , as the rainbow of colored COVID-19 restrictions and mask requirements were lifted , businesses have been trying to plan for a future that in some respects is changing in ways we can ’ t totally predict . Some think the pandemic caused the changes , and some think these changes would have occurred anyway . Regardless , the pandemic certainly accelerated trends that had been a growing undercurrent in the economy .
Employees ’ expectations have changed too . Most who have adapted to working from home want to continue to do that , at least some of the time . People who work in the service and hospitality industries have been slow to come back to work , either concerned for their health while interacting with customers or holding out for higher wages and better benefits . A recent report from the National Federation of Independent Business revealed that 46 percent of small businesses are having a difficult time filling available jobs with qualified workers , despite raising compensation .
Microsoft ’ s annual workplace trends survey shows that workers are struggling and exhausted from the stress of the last 15 months . Digital overload , too many meetings and the constant disruption of being on call have taken their toll . Younger workers are feeling more isolated in the digital workplace . The report begins with a bold proclamation : “ The future of work is here and it ’ s hybrid .” Just as 2020 changed the landscape of work forever , the report states , we ’ re now on the brink of another disruption : “ flexible work is here to stay , and the talent landscape has fundamentally shifted .”
Certainly , a year of struggles to balance work , parenting and schooling , and the almost unimaginable death and illness that many have witnessed firsthand across the country added to the mental strain . Many people are looking for greener pastures . Forty-one percent of those surveyed by Microsoft are considering changing jobs or careers to find a better balance in their lives . Research shows a record number of employees in all segments of the economy have quit their jobs .
Charting a course through this turmoil is complicated and constantly changing . But you can create an environment that keeps your sales teams productive and key workers happy .
According to Microsoft , two-thirds of employers are redesigning their offices and work policies to create hybrid work environments that nearly 75 percent of employees surveyed are asking for . That goes beyond well-spaced office furniture and a mask policy . Designing office spaces where workers can collaborate gives less-experienced employees an opportunity to be included in solving problems or managing projects , making them feel that they belong on the team . Being flexible about working hours helps employees juggle competing demands , including parenting . Putting certain hours off limits for emails and digital meetings establishes a boundary that protects personal time .
After a year with so many personal hardships , addressing employees ’ mental health is as important as their physical environment . Ryan Larkin , chief operating officer of Rancho Cordova-based MDstaffers , noted recently that with the advent of telemedicine and the destigmatizing of mental health , people are more open to talking about their mental health struggles . “ It ’ s not enough for employees to be physically healthy ,” he contends . “ They need to be mentally healthy too .”
Our health and wellness story in this month ’ s issue , “ The New Science of Happiness ” by Jeff Wilser ( page 52 ), gives insight into how both employers and employees can promote improved happiness in the workplace — and why this matters for employee engagement . Unsurprisingly , it starts with cultivating a positive culture .
We ’ ve learned in this last year that high-quality workers can be found everywhere and many ( outside of the service and hospitality industry ) can work from anywhere . And for those who choose to come into the office , don ’ t skimp on the paint and carpeting . It ’ s a good investment that will show employees that you value them and it will make them happier to be there . And with less daily wear and tear , it might last longer too . That ’ s something you can plan on .
Winnie Comstock-Carlson President and Publisher
August 2021 | comstocksmag . com 15