As the Covid-19 pandemic continues to impact the way we work, the balance between working from home and the office has become an increasingly important topic in the recruitment process, especially in the freight forwarding, supply chain, and shipping industry in Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane.
While many of us have adapted to remote work over the past year, the benefits of human interaction and separation of work from home cannot be ignored. As employers in this industry, it's important to consider the needs and preferences of employees when deciding on the right balance between remote work and in-office work.
As we move towards a post-pandemic world, some employers are moving back to a 5-day in-office work week, but this may not be the best solution for everyone. Employees who have to endure lengthy commutes or have family responsibilities may benefit from working from home 1 or 2 days a week.
As a recruiter in this industry, I recently caught public transport for 2 weeks from my house in Coogee to work in Mascot, and I empathise with those who have to navigate public transportation regularly. Allowing employees to work from home 1 day a week can relieve stress and anxiety, especially for those who have to juggle school drop-offs and pick-ups.
While some individuals may take advantage of the flexibility that remote work offers, it's important to prioritise empathy and understanding for those who have legitimate reasons for requesting to work from home on occasion.
Offering employees the option to work from home 1 day a week without question can not only alleviate anxiety but also lead to higher retention rates and attract top talent in recruitment. Finding the right balance between remote work and in-office work is key to creating a positive and productive work environment.
As we continue to navigate this new normal in the freight forwarding, supply chain, and shipping industry in Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane, let's prioritise empathy and understanding for our employees and find the right balance that works for everyone.