May 29, 2022, marked a significant shift in the world of work as HR professionals convened to discuss the future of the post-pandemic workplace.
Since 2020, the global workforce has undergone a significant transformation, with remote and hybrid working models becoming the norm, even in developing markets like Kenya.
According to Liaison Group Chief Executive Tom Mulwa, the early days of the pandemic presented challenges in measuring workers' productivity due to the lack of systems in place.
However, with the acceleration of technology and automation, companies have since adapted to the new normal of work, with tools now available to measure productivity and improve production levels.
Mr. Mulwa noted that in the last two years, production levels have improved, with GDP growth reaching 7.5 per cent in 2021, compared to a negative growth of 0.3 per cent in 2020, as per the Economic Survey 2022.
Despite the economic recovery, workers continue to face challenges, including a rising cost of living and stagnant wages, with the average worker's purchasing power eroded by over five per cent in the last two years.
Mr. Mulwa highlighted the importance of employee wellness programs, policies on remote and hybrid working, and regular check-ins with employees to ensure a conducive workplace post-pandemic.
He also emphasized the need for organisations to adapt to the changing labour demands of the modern talent space, with a focus on investing in employee development and well-being.
Other challenges emerging in the post-pandemic workplace include digital exhaustion, as workers spend more time on screens, and the need for organisations to evolve and adapt to the changing needs of their employees.
Safaricom Chief Human Resource Officer Paul Kasimu echoed Mr. Mulwa's sentiments, stating that employees are now at the centre of everything that drives an organisation, and that human beings are far from being replaced in the workplace.
He also highlighted the importance of building a company culture in a hybrid work environment, which can be challenging but essential for organisational success.
