Negotiating the post-COVID return to the office: A Confidentially Speaking webinar with Janet Lambrou
In a post-COVID world, many businesses are grappling with a pressing issue: how to get employees back into the office.
In our recent Confidentially Speaking webinar, our founder Elise Margow and Mediation Specialist Janet Lambrou, delved into the complexities of this challenge.
They conducted a fun roleplay then dissected each other’s tactics and techniques, illustrating the power of negotiation and mediation in addressing workplace conflicts.
The negotiation dilemma
Acting as the CEO of a company that downsized after COVID, Elise explained she faced resistance from employees who were unwilling to return to the office.
Janet, playing the role of one of those employees, highlighted her concerns, including her long commute, health issues related to the office environment, and the belief that she was more productive working from home. These are all common concerns many employees share as they navigate this new era of hybrid work.
In this scenario, the role of negotiation becomes pivotal. Both parties had valid points – Elise wanted a cohesive office environment, while Janet was focused on personal well-being and productivity. The challenge was to find a middle ground where both employer and employee could benefit.
Tactics in action
Janet approached the situation with careful preparation. She reviewed her contract, identified her key concerns, and presented a compelling case for continuing to work from home.
Elise, on the other hand, was determined to maintain team cohesion but recognised the need for flexibility. Both used classic negotiation techniques – Janet started with a smaller offer of one day a week in the office, while Elise remained open to compromise.
The negotiation concluded with a tentative agreement that Janet would return to the office one day a week for four weeks, after which they would review the arrangement. This incremental approach allowed both parties to maintain goodwill while testing a mutually acceptable solution that could evolve.
The role of mediation
While this negotiation resulted in an agreed path forward, they don’t all end that way. Sometimes, when negotiations reach an impasse, mediation can play a crucial role in resolving the dispute. In these cases, Janet highlighted the importance of having a neutral third party guide the process, helping both sides understand each other's perspectives and ensuring that even the most intractable conflicts can find a path to resolution.
As businesses continue to navigate the complexities of the post-pandemic world, negotiation and mediation will remain essential tools for fostering understanding and creating solutions that benefit both employers and employees.