EY announces the launch of Physical Return and Work Reimagined framework for organizations post-COVI

EY announces the launch of Physical Return and Work Reimagined framework for organizations post-COVID-19. Companies are beginning to plan how to safely return employees to the workplace, after the COVID-19 crisis lockdowns. These plans involve a complex matrix of decisions with people at the center. Validating that employees’ health and safety are paramount is vital for trust and loyalty. We see the physical return to work governed by two gears: Gear 1 drives the transition to the physical return to work; Gear 2 looks to the longer-term reimagining or transformation of work.

• Gear 1

• Gear 2

What trends do we see emerging? The crisis has changed the way we work, live, shop and share. Some trends we think will be lasting:

• There is new focus on health and hygiene, as safety is elevated.

• Agility is key as companies have proven their ability to pivot to meet the urgent needs of the crisis (e.g., manufacturing sanitizer, PPE, ventilators).

• We have all been equally affected by COVID-19 — emphasizing our common humanity.

• Technology may accelerate the move away from touch activation to voice activation.

Key takeaways

• Think about the employee as a whole person holistically with physical, mental and financial well-being

• De-risk the physical environment and communicate the steps you are taking

• Constantly update the playbook to include learning from others, and always to show due care

Summary To learn more about actions organizations can take to prepare for the ‘new normal’ in the workplace, watch the How to put humans at the center of the physical return to work webcast. Learn more about EY’s COVID-19 Enterprise Resilience framework