Will Flexible Work Schedules Become the Post-Pandemic Norm?

As essential workers, many employees in the cleaning industry worked through the pandemic. However, others stayed home when the office buildings and schools they cleaned and maintained were empty due to remote working and learning.

With many offices reopening, employees are rethinking the 100% in-person work model prevalent before the pandemic. A recent survey from Randstad North America Inc., a global provider of staffing and human resources services, found that 54% of American workers prefer a flexible work schedule that allows them to work remotely and on-site as they return to the workplace. This preference may affect cleaning schedules and facility management, as essential workers clean for fewer people and restructure buildings to accommodate a smaller daily in-person workforce.

The Next Normal omnibus survey, conducted from March 8-10, included 1,213 respondents above the age of 18 from various industry sectors. The survey found:

• Nearly one-in-five workers changed jobs during the pandemic, with 23% citing the opportunity to work remotely as a motivating factor for the job change
• 42% said they changed jobs due to compensation
• 23% said workplace culture made them switch jobs
• 77% of workers said they are ready to return to the workplace on at least a temporary basis
• 74% of workers said they want employers to implement stricter, clearer safety protocols for on-site work
• 41% of employers began offering new health and wellness benefits during the pandemic, which was a motivating factor for 30% of job switchers
• 72% of employers implemented new health and safety policies during the pandemic including mask mandates, social distancing, temperature checks, and sanitizing stations.

“American workers experienced a turbulent year that has forever changed their expectations for employers regarding benefits and workplace safety,” said Karen Fichuk, CEO.