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Jamie Dimon blasts Gen Z, remote work
Work-from-home (WFH) arrangements were credited with saving economies from collapse but have since created a rift between employers and employees. Nearly five years have passed since the majority of firms adopted these setups, yet they still struggle to establish clear foundations for what the post-COVID workplace will look like.
JPMorgan chief Jamie Dimon is the latest to criticize WFH arrangements. In an expletive-filled rant, Dimon said he struggles to reach staff during “WFH Fridays” and that some employees are not as focused as they should have been during Zoom meetings. He labeled these workers “Zoomers,” or people born between the late 1990s and early 2010s who have attended more virtual calls than in-office meetings.
The 68-year-old’s criticisms are unclear, unfounded, and reveal a disconnect with the times. Dimon’s polarizing rant caused chaos within the firm, which led to an employee being fired and reinstated. Is he just bitter that he’s working seven days a week while the younger generation is finding new ways to work?
It is inevitable that the majority of the labor pool will be filled with Gen Z professionals. In addition to competitive pay, hybrid arrangements will be part of their preferences when looking for a job. As such, employers must be wary of this new paradigm. In a rapidly changing business environment, there’s no room for angst and bitter rebukes, especially from leaders. Stereotyping the younger generation and hybrid setups as a scourge to business is a regressive and counterproductive approach.
Aligning philosophies
WFH was meant as a temporary fix to stay afloat during the COVID-19 pandemic. Along the way, several firms discovered that hybrid arrangements work for them. Others were not privy to this, and as soon as restrictions were lifted, they started enforcing RTO mandates.
Various studies have outlined the pros and cons of each setup. Ultimately, the decision lies with the company, its culture, the industry it belongs to, and the type of output it creates. The main goal is to be productive.
Whether employees are working from home or in the office, they must complete their deliverables, work on future projects, participate actively in meetings, communicate effectively with stakeholders and colleagues, and more.
Companies must clearly communicate the expectations of their staff from day one. Whether through an employee handbook, training days, or onboarding, the firm must make an effort to introduce its core philosophies to its staff.
Younger employees who entered the labor market in malleable times must receive ample guidance. They must learn the value of hard work, and senior staff must guide them through the ropes by mentoring or leading by example.
Embracing new workplace trends and workforce behaviors is essential for a business to survive in the present and thrive in the future. Everything begins with a polished policy and a clear-cut mission statement. A well-crafted statement will steer a business through both ordinary days and turbulent times. The most successful companies in the world are guided by firm principles and an openness to change rather than intuition and ill feelings.
The question for your business
How have your company policies evolved post-pandemic?
