redefining organizational culture in the new normal.

As the world continues to grapple with the uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic, corporate culture has suffered a setback. It is, in fact, one of the most important aspects of normalcy that we have had to redefine. The sudden and large-scale shift to remote working has given rise to new expectations, tasks, and organizational cultures. 



However, adversity is always a driver of adaptation. The key to building a successful organization is having a culture that welds the people together. Organizational culture consists of shared beliefs and values that govern an organization. With in-person interaction eliminated, how can organizations ensure a seamless transition to the ‘new normal’? Mentioned below are some measures that decision-makers can take to guarantee that the employees get back to work safely. 

Rethinking Employee Safety 

The first step in getting safely back to work in the new normal would be prioritizing the safety and sanitization of the workplace. Alternating work-from-office days for different teams, employing effective blockages to maintain distance, installing sanitization kiosks and enforcing stringent measures are only the bare minimum. Going above and beyond, companies should also consider providing robust health insurance coverage to their employees, especially front-line workers that face a greater risk.



Moreover, companies should ensure regular testing and temperature checks to ensure that the employees safely get back to work. To this end, companies can get in touch with the leading players in the global HR services industry to get assistance in planning effective protocols, deploying geo-targeted best practices, and implementing helpful; recommendations. 

Embracing Digitization 

The pandemic has enforced remote working with no end in sight, but this comes with a silver lining. According to a worldwide survey conducted by Kentik, 47% of the professionals reported that they experienced increased productivity while working from home. This fares well for future-forward organizations that are adapting transformational technologies to redefine their work culture. Employers must also use virtual collaboration and communication tools to make remote work seamless. 

Hybrid Working Model 

Even before the coronavirus imposed restrictions, many companies had a hybrid working model that allowed employees to work from home on certain days. Employing a fluid model where employees can choose between remote and in-office work is the way forward in these unprecedented times. Such models also boost employee satisfaction and encourage getting safely back to work in the new normal. 

Ensuring Transparency and Communication

Recent studies have revealed that employees experienced an increase in their satisfaction with the communication and integrity shown by leaders during COVID-19. A study by MIT Sloan revealed that during the March-August period, employees were 57% more likely to talk about the positive ethical approaches taken by their employers. Further, the ratings for team communication and honesty on Glassdoor also went up.



While getting safely back to work might not be a viable option for all, companies can undertake an organizational change to improve employee engagement at home. The values of teamwork, communication and transparency across verticals can go a long way in alleviating work-related stress. 

Moving Forward 

Corporate culture is not just an indicator of the company’s relation with its employees, but it is also a crucial point where organizations can make significant improvements. By optimizing work from office to ensure both financial and medical security to the employees, companies can start bringing employees safely back to work. For this purpose, Randstad NV, a leading HR services provider, has partnered with the Adecco Group and Manpower Group to facilitate a safe return to the workplace.