Intelligent CXO Issue 10 | Page 62

REGIONAL ROUND-UP

AFRICA APAC EUROPE MIDDLE EAST NORTH AMERICA

CISCO CANADA HYBRID WORK SURVEY SHOWS TENSIONS BETWEEN EMPLOYEE NEEDS

Cisco Canada has released a survey that highlights why organisations will need to put employees at the centre of hybrid work to create equitable employee experiences .

At the same time , the survey also uncovered some of the challenges and concerns felt by employees when it comes to career growth in the hybrid workplace . The findings mirror Cisco ’ s recent global Hybrid Work Index , which shows that hybrid workers expect greater flexibility , accessibility and security , while businesses grapple with meeting these increased demands .
The Canadian data shows that almost half ( 46 %) of Canadian employees expect that in-person workers will have more opportunities for workplace engagement and career growth than their remote counterparts . In contrast , 77 % agree that flexibility in work location and work hours now directly influences whether they will stay at a job .
These findings highlight a clear tension for Canadian employees – the desire for flexibility versus the impact that flexibility will have on career progression .
As organisations shift to hybrid work , they will need to address this head-on and ease employees ’ concerns by setting expectations around the new workplace culture .
“ As we make the shift to hybrid work , we have an opportunity to redefine the modern workplace . And while hybrid work is not one-size-fits-all , we are seeing the key themes of flexibility and choice take centre stage ,” said Shannon Leininger , President , Cisco Canada .
“ No matter where employees work – from their home , office or a coffee shop – organisations need to prioritise employee needs and expectations to retain their talent . The right technology will help them make the employee experience equitable , inclusive and seamless .”
The survey also found that Canadian employees want to see a greater emphasis on wellness ( 60 %) and flexibility ( 60 %) in their new workplace culture more than anything else , putting pressure on employers to create an environment that puts people first . This means ensuring that offices are adaptable to how employees work best and leveraging technology to create a safe , collaborative and flexible workplace .
A hybrid model and the supporting technology will play a critical role in levelling the playing field , eliminating communication barriers and supporting employees wherever they are . For example , the survey found that 82 % of Canadian employees do not actively participate in all the meetings they attend , highlighting the importance of leveraging technology that makes participation – whether verbal or non-verbal – easier .
“ Hybrid work is underpinned by strong technology – technology is core to driving inclusivity and connectedness with employees regardless of their location ,” added Leininger . x
NO MATTER WHERE EMPLOYEES WORK – FROM THEIR HOME , OFFICE OR A COFFEE SHOP – ORGANISATIONS NEED TO PRIORITISE EMPLOYEE NEEDS AND EXPECTATIONS .
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