Flexible Work Creates Engagement Concerns, Outplacement Firm Says
Ryan Golden, Senior Reporter
Published March 4, 2022
Dive Brief:
- More than 80% of HR executives responding to a recent survey said they were concerned about talent leaving their organizations, up from 68% in July 2021. Outplacement firm Challenger, Gray & Christmas surveyed 150 U.S. HR execs in January and February.
- In response, employers have increased flexible work, with 73% offering hybrid and remote work options to retain workers. But engagement is a potential concern for off-site workers, according to firm Senior Vice President Andrew Challenger, with some employers struggling to balance overscheduling concerns with being too hands-off in their management of these workers.
- “Ultimately, managers are responsible for the engagement and output of their teams. If workers feel ignored, if emails go unanswered, or ideas overlooked, talent will look elsewhere for validation,” Challenger said in a statement.
Challenger, Gray & Christmas provided a list of engagement strategies for employers. HR departments may decide to survey employees to determine their ideal communication styles, while teams and leadership may celebrate achievements and help co-workers work toward individual goals.
