How to Keep Flexibility in the Evolving Workplace for Years to Come

By Jenn Choo, Director of Marketing, Theorem

Over the past 2 years we have witnessed some incredible changes in the way we live and the way we work. The call of millennials and Gen Z for more remote working options came to fruition through the lockdowns of the pandemic.  Businesses were cautious, unsure of the business outputs they could drive under the new working conditions.   As things began to stabilize and lockdowns eased, many employees realized not only that flexible working environments were possible but in many cases they were enjoyable and did not hinder an employee’s ability to drive results. A majority of companies retained remote and hybrid options to provide the flexibility their employees wanted and expected.

Employees have realized and made it known that they want flexible work environments where their overall wellbeing is prioritized over everything else and the culture is healthy and productive. If companies aren’t keeping up with the changing sentiments of employees…they risk losing them.

A greater emphasis is being put on employee retention but companies are still consistently asking themselves how? How can they ensure the happiness of their employees while continuing to drive business forward? The answer is twofold.

Firstly, today’s decision makers need to lead with empathy. Open communication and active listening are critical factors in employing an engaged and motivated team of professionals. While leading with empathy and maintaining open lines of communication are not new concepts to leadership, they have never been as critical to employee retention and satisfaction.

Successful leaders are the ones who are engaging with their employees on a regular basis, to ensure they feel supported and their wellbeing is always prioritized. Giving your teams flexibility to work in ways that best suit them allows them to balance their work and home life while still achieving their goals without burning out. Leading with empathy also provides an open and safe space for employees to ask for help or take a break when they need it.

The truth of the matter is, employees achieve their goals and perform their best when they are given the flexibility and support to determine what an optimized working environment and pattern looks like for them. A large swath of the modern workforce proved that they could pivot to remote or flexible working environments and not only maintain their workloads but in many cases achieve more and surpass their goals. Companies and leaders that recognize the old standard ways of working are not the most efficient and instead continue to evolve to meet the needs of the modern workforce are the ones who will see long term success and growth.

The other critical element to keeping flexibility in the evolving workplace is having benefits that reflect company values. Talking the talk is great but companies need to walk the walk and evaluate their benefits to ensure they meet employee needs. It’s one thing to say you offer flexible and remote working,  wellness programs, access to healthcare, etc, it’s another to actually evangelize these things and ensure they flow throughout your company culture.

Employees have always gravitated towards companies that have values and culture that are similar to their own. But now more than ever employees want to really feel that culture fit, be provided with benefits that prioritize their health and well being and they want flexibility to bring their skills to the table, execute their work and achieve their goals in a way that works best for them.

At the end of the day, the key to evolution is and has always been agility. Those who are willing to remain flexible and adapt to new and better ways of working will always succeed. As we look to the future of the ever evolving workplace, one thing is clear; employees want and need flexibility in order to thrive and their leadership is now tasked with not only providing that flexibility but maintaining and adapting it as the standard ways of working continue to change.

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        Meto

        Meto

        Meto is a tech-based nonprofit intent on making access to quality higher education a reality for all students. We have a special focus on creating scholarships for low-income students.


        In 2018, Meto was founded to connect African students with university opportunities. Along the way, we have learned that all students can benefit from our innovative model, wherein universities make the first move and invite good-fit students to apply. So, in 2023, we opened our platform to students across the globe.

        website: https://meto-intl.org/

                  Nikhil Badlani Foundation

                  The Mission of the Nikhil Badlani Foundation (the “Foundation”) is to enhance the lives of underserved children in West Orange, NJ and neighboring communities through music lessons, scholarships, and traffic safety education for all.

                  Since the Foundation was established in 2011, Theorem has consistently been an annual sponsor of and team participant in the STOP for Nikhil 5K Run/3K Walk. This event intends to raise traffic safety awareness and to serve as a way to remembervbgfc ≈ and honor those who have been killed or seriously injured in traffic accidents. We recognize the importance of raising awareness and road safety amongst teenagers and parents alike, especially in the local communities of our Chatham, New Jersey office. Learn more about the Nikhil Badlani Foundation at nikhilbadlanifoundation.org

                  Diversity and Inclusion

                  Theorem actively aids in the ongoing fight against systemic racism and discrimination, realizing the importance of ongoing discussions surrounding diversity and inclusion.

                  By contributing to organizations such as Black Girls Code and the Anti-Racism fund, we aim to be a fundamental supporter of diversity in the workplace and beyond. These organizations specifically speak to Theorem’s role as a leading voice in the technology innovation space and we avidly support their missions. The vision of Black Girls Code is to empower girls of color, ages 7-17 to become innovators in STEM fields and encourages them to be the builders of their own futures. The Anti-Racism Fund serves as a response to the inequities experienced by the African-American community. It provides monetary support to a dynamic portfolio of curated organizations as a way to inject and enable social change.

                  Feeding America

                  Feeding America is the largest charity working to end hunger in the United States. By partnering with local food banks, food pantries and other community food programs, Feeding America looks to advance change across the country and ensure equitable access to nutritious food.

                  As a long-standing contributor and sponsor of Feeding America, we deeply believe in their vision of an America without hunger. The need for and importance of organizations like Feeding America has has become more and more prevalent as communities face more hardships as a result of the pandemic and the current economy. Theorem is dedicated to its continued contributions to Feeding America to do our part to empower and strengthen our communities. Learn more about Feeding America at www.feedingamerica.org

                  Grameen America

                  Grameen America is dedicated to helping entrepreneurial women who live in poverty build businesses to enable financial stability mobility.

                  Since their founding in the United States in 2008, Theorem has supported Grameen America’s mission, which seeks to build upon the legacy of Presidential Medal of Freedom, Congressional Gold Medal and Nobel Peace Prize winner Muhammad Yunus. Through financial contributions and event participation, Theorem has contributed to Grameen America’s cause. As an immigrant entrepreneur himself, our CEO Jay Kulkarni is especially eager to support the organization’s mission of aiding underserved communities. Learn more about Grameen America at www.grameenamerica.org

                  Vision Spring

                  VisionSpring is making the wonder of clear vision possible for all by helping provide affordable and quality eyeglasses to those in need. For many, lack of access to affordable eyeglasses leads to loss of employment or less educational opportunities.

                  VisionSpring partners with organizations who join them in their mission of supporting livelihood initiatives, enhancing potential for all. Learn more about Vision Spring at https://visionspring.org Theorem has consistently partnered with VisionSpring to organize free events, such as eye check-ups, across multiple villages in the Mysuru, India region, impacting over 3,000 rural residents. We stand with VisionSpring in their mission to increase accessibility to quality eyewear and eye care.

                  Covenant House

                  Covenant House provides housing and supportive services to youth facing homelessness, helping young people transform their lives.

                  For more than 5+ years, Theorem has supported Covenant House with corporate sponsorships, leading career-building workshops at their Newark, NJ shelter facility and participation in the organization’s fund raising Sleep Outs. Covenant House utilizes these Sleep Outs to raise funds and help shine a light on the injustice of youth homelessness, inspiring communities to step up and protect the vulnerable. We are proud to support Covenant House’s programs, which are designed to empower young people to overcome and rise above adversity, today and in the future. Learn more about Covenant House at www.covenanthouse.org

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