Which leadership roles are thriving (and hiring!) for WFH?
Are you still eyeing that corner office overlooking the CBD? In the new world of work, even top-level executives find themselves having to stay home to do business. But for workers who value work flexibility more than having a posh executive office, working from home is no barrier to ascending the corporate ladder. What matters is that they’re able to perform at their best.
“Over the past year, companies of all sizes, across industries and geographies, have had the eye-opening experience that it is possible for the C-suite to effectively lead and manage teams without having a physical office,” said Sara Sutton, founder and CEO of FlexJobs. The company compiled 15 C-level and senior level roles across industries now hiring for a remote or hybrid arrangement.
Read more: How the Covid-19 outbreak ushered in a new way of working
The question, however, is whether executives who are accustomed to meeting teams face to face are developing competencies suitable to a remote-first environment. “While many of the principles of effective leadership are the same virtually as they are in-office, there are certain nuances and unique considerations,” Sutton said.
“From bigger picture goals to the more operational issues, remote leaders do need to understand and implement certain best remote work management practices in order to maximise their team’s performance,” she said.
One challenge is how to develop team spirit when you can only be together online ... at least for the most part. A solution for executives trying to navigate the WFH scene while leading a team?
“Quick check-ins at the beginning of meetings can create essential social connectivity. This can be as simple as asking how each team member is feeling that day or letting everyone share their weekend plans. Take the time to celebrate birthdays, work anniversaries, births, and other major milestones with your team,” researchers said.
Read more: Kids on a conference call? Tips for parents working from home
“Informally checking in can also provide more context around employees’ frame of mind and overall well-being. Unstructured collaboration and information sharing sessions also make it easier for employees to feel connected to their teams, since scheduled calls don’t always lend themselves to the spontaneous collaboration that makes work feel meaningful, creative, and energising.”
Another challenge for WFH bosses is how to manage with intention. “By leading with care and empathy, managers have the ability to build positive employee experiences for their entire team. Acknowledging the challenges of the past year and by creating a safe environment for employees to express their struggles or concerns can go a long way in developing a culture of trust,” FlexJobs said.
“Remote workers may be tempted to work extra hours or have trouble unplugging. It’s critical that managers encourage their team to establish and stick to healthy work boundaries.”
Which leadership roles are thriving (and hiring!) in the WFH era, according to FlexJobs?
