---

A McKinsey study reveals the uncertainty that companies and their workers have because they do not know what working policy they will adopt in the post-pandemic era

Firms are trying to adjust their remote work policy as outbreaks of the virus are gradually coming under control. While lawyers have learned to work from home, many firms are opting for a complete return to the office. But have organisations been concerned about lawyers' opinions?

A recent study by McKinsey, which surveyed more than 5,000 US employees during December 2020 and January 2021, provides some interesting insights.

In addition to a radical change in the working life of employees, a hybrid model established by firms can increase employee productivity and well-being. A determining factor, according to the study, is good communication by organisations to their employees to explain which model will prevail after the pandemic. Indeed, good communication on this issue increases individual productivity, the feeling of support and the perception of unity with the company.

But in terms of communication from firms, 40% of the professionals surveyed say they have not received any communication on what model their company will adopt after the end of the pandemic. 

Lack of communication generates uncertainty, and uncertainty can degenerate into anxiety among employees. In particular, 47% of respondents are concerned about a lack of vision about what strategies their companies will take in the post-pandemic era. 

Source: Freepik

In addition to uncertainty, respondents expressed their desire for the model they want their companies to adopt post-pandemic. 52% of them consider it beneficial to work under a flexible model in the post-pandemic era, 11% prefer to work from home and 37% want to work in offices. 

Interestingly, nearly 30% of those who took part in the survey said they would consider changing jobs if their companies decided to establish a fully face-to-face working model in offices.

Regarding the balance of teleworking days per week, more than half of the respondents prefer to work from home 3 or more days per week, which is important when measuring employees' expectations of a hybrid model. Workers with young children are among the most interested in working under the flexible model.

Fears about working from the office included:

- inadequate work-life balance

- Increased likelihood of illness

- Reduced interest in employee well-being

- Less flexibility in day-to-day working life

On the other hand, the negative effects of working fully remotely include:

- Inadequate work-life balance

- Loss of community and connection with co-workers

- Reduced collaboration between workers

- Reduced interest in employee well-being