Flexibility Gets Us Great Talent

In today’s fast-evolving work landscape, flexibility stands out as a vital asset for companies aiming to attract and retain top talent. Jenny Shiers, CHRO of Unily, shared her perspectives on this crucial topic during a recent interview with me. Her insights underscore the diverse benefits of a flexible work model and its pivotal role in fostering an inclusive and high-performing workplace.

The Strategic Advantage of Flexibility 

Jenny articulated that flexibility is a cornerstone of Unily’s talent acquisition strategy. As a scaling organization, Unily taps into a diverse talent pool that seeks genuine flexible work arrangements. “There’s a big chunk of folks out there who are really still searching for that true flexible model,” Jenny noted, emphasizing that many companies are no longer offering this, making Unily’s approach a significant competitive advantage.

Flexibility doesn’t just attract talent; it also promotes equality and inclusion. Jenny highlighted that traditional office hours often exclude many talented individuals for whom a nine-to-five schedule is impractical. “As a technology company, there’s a profile of deep work that has to happen sometimes, which actually just isn’t that conducive to an office environment,” she explained. This flexibility is not about abandoning the office entirely but integrating it as part of a broader, more adaptable work model that caters to diverse needs.

The Role of the Office in a Flexible Work Model 

While flexibility is key, Jenny affirmed the continued relevance of physical office spaces at Unily. “The approach that we’ve taken is a team-by-team approach,” she said. Rather than imposing a one-size-fits-all mandate, Unily allows teams to decide the balance that best suits their work. This nuanced approach recognizes that collaboration and deep work happen in various ways, which sometimes benefit from the physical office environment.

Jenny identified several specific scenarios where the office plays an essential role: onboarding new employees, fostering early-career development through what she termed “swivel chair learning,” and facilitating initial team collaboration. These activities leverage the spontaneous interactions and learning opportunities that arise from being in the same physical space. However, Unily ensures that these benefits do not overshadow the broader commitment to flexibility.

Building a Cohesive Culture in a Hybrid Environment 

Creating a cohesive company culture in a hybrid work environment is one of the most significant challenges companies face today. “The challenge now is how to go about creating that culture or keeping it alive in a distributed environment,” Jenny stated. She pointed out that during the pandemic, maintaining an existing culture was easier than building or evolving one in a hybrid setting.

Technology plays a critical role in bridging this gap. Jenny emphasized the importance of consistency in the employee experience, regardless of your location. “Broadly speaking, your experience with your employer and with the company that you work for should be consistent whether you’re home or not,” she stressed. Leveraging technology for communication, engagement, and training helps ensure that all employees feel equally integrated and valued.

Training Managers for the New Normal 

Effective management in a flexible work environment requires specific training and skills. Jenny discussed the evolution of manager training to encompass the nuances of leading hybrid teams. “It’s not going to come naturally to everyone,” she acknowledged, underscoring the need for deliberate and structured training programs.

This training includes traditional managerial skills such as conducting one-on-ones and providing feedback, now expanded to cover how to engage remote workers and facilitate consistent team experiences. “Setting out some expectations for managers as we do enablement for them in their roles is super important,” Jenny said, highlighting the importance of equipping managers with the tools they need to navigate the complexities of hybrid work. I’ve found for clients I work with helping them overcome the frustrations of implementing hybrid work that manager training represents the most important element of a successful flexible work environment.

The Impact of Generative AI on Flexible Work 

The advent of generative AI offers new opportunities to enhance flexibility in the workplace. Jenny and her team are exploring how AI can support innovation and collaboration. “Generative AI can replace a lot of the swivel chair collaboration where you need to find out something from a colleague,” she noted, adding that AI can also facilitate ideation by providing diverse perspectives and reducing biases that might occur in in-person brainstorming sessions.

Using generative AI trained on internal company data can significantly streamline workflows and enhance the flexibility of remote work. This technology ensures that employees can access the information they need promptly, fostering a more efficient and connected work environment regardless of physical location.

Looking Ahead 

As companies navigate the post-pandemic work landscape, the future of flexible work remains dynamic and uncertain. Jenny Shiers envisions a balanced approach where flexibility is tailored to meet individual and organizational needs. “I think the risk is for companies that are really mandating heavily that there’ll be a backlash,” she warned, advocating for a cautious and considered approach to work policies.

Feedback and transparent communication are crucial in this evolving landscape. Jenny emphasized that performance concerns often mask deeper issues about employee fit and alignment with company goals. “If someone is a top performer, you don’t care where they are if they’re doing great work,” she pointed out, suggesting that open dialogues and clear expectations are vital for success.

Ultimately, Jenny believes that flexibility, combined with robust training and technology, will define the future of work. “The ability to provide workers with what suits them is very powerful to get the best from people,” she concluded. As Unily continues to refine its flexible work model, it sets a compelling example for other organizations striving to attract and retain top talent in an increasingly competitive market.

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