As the Great Workplace Reset beds in, leaders and managers are realizing that traditional ‘hard power’ approaches of reward and punishment no longer have the same impact on their employees.
Instead, with a widely-dispersed workforce seeking a balance between work and home life, and a strong emphasis on wellness and ethics, they are turning to ‘soft power’ strategies.
So, what exactly is soft power? It’s a more holistic approach to managing and motivating your workplace, and is based on four pillars that can be reinforced with the help of effective workspace management technology. These are:
- Boosting confidence
- Fostering autonomy
- Enhancing competence
- Fostering a sense of belonging
1. Boosting confidence
Insecurity at work can be draining on emotional health and energy. For instance, being called in for an unexpected meeting with a manager or having difficulty finding an ideal collaborative space to work can make work seem more challenging and stressful than it needs to be.
Good engagement is the key to reducing uncertainty and building confidence in your workforce. Workplace management software enables your employees to interact easily with each other and with their managers.
For example, it simplifies and streamlines the process of scheduling hybrid meetings or booking desks or meeting rooms via an app. It also helps staff locate their colleagues for collaboration, something that has become more difficult in the hybrid work environment.
2. Fostering autonomy
Allowing your staff to control where and how they work can give them a sense of independence and control over their workload, which is important as research shows that the demand for remote jobs still exceeds the available positions.
3. Enhancing competence
Removing the barriers that prevent people from doing their job well is essential, creating a satisfying employee experience. For instance, having the ability to search for colleagues on the go and making sure team members are in the office at the same time as you can be convenient and efficient.
Workspace scheduling software such as Rendezvous by NFS, when combined with related technology including sensors, provides valuable insights to help workplace leaders optimize the use of their workspace. This not only benefits the sustainability of the workplace but also appeals to environmentally conscious employees. Recent data from property firm JLL shows that eco-friendly offices are achieving higher capital and rental values.
4. Fostering a sense of belonging
Feeling like a valued member of the team is crucial for job satisfaction and good mental health at work. It also helps retain talent and positions your business as a desirable place to work.
In-person interaction remains an important aspect of hybrid working, but because the time spent in the office is more limited, it’s crucial to make the most of every meeting. By using technology to improve meeting scheduling and visitor management, you can minimize wasted time and create opportunities for innovation and creativity.
Adapting to change
The way we work is evolving globally, and the shift is not without its challenges. Some business leaders have resisted remote work, and the economic downturn has led to predictions that workers may lose their bargaining power.
However, research shows that employees in the UK and US are determined to retain the benefits of remote work. The growth of soft power and the support of technology are driving the trend towards hybrid working, with its benefits for the environment, real estate, and employee wellbeing.
While the path ahead may not be clear, those who embrace the right technology will be better equipped to succeed in the changing work landscape.
Discover more: How to power up a great employee experience using technology
