Flexibility: Career friend or foe?

The pandemic-induced work-from-home era seemed like a permanent shift, but the pendulum is swinging back. With major Australian corporations and even the NSW government mandating office returns, safety professionals face a critical juncture. As debates intensify over workplace flexibility, a pressing question emerges: Could your flexible work arrangements be silently sabotaging your career trajectory?

From eroding company culture to the rise of AI automation, the stakes are high for safety leaders.

Let us explore how to navigate this flexibility paradox while keeping your career on track.

The changing tides of workplace flexibility

The concept of workplace flexibility has rapidly evolved from a perk to a standard expectation. However, we are now seeing a significant pushback, particularly in the safety sector.

Recent data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics shows that 41% of employed Australians worked from home at least once a week in August 2021. But the tide is turning. The NSW government has mandated public servants to be in the office at least four days a week, and major corporations are following suit. This shift is creating a more prescriptive work environment, challenging the flexibility many have grown accustomed to.

This changing landscape presents unique challenges for safety leaders. The balance between remote work benefits and the undeniable value of physical presence is not just a personal choice—it is a strategic career decision. In a field where influence and visibility can make or break professional growth, understanding the implications of these changes is crucial.

Why the push for office presence?

Organisations are reassessing their approach to flexible work, driven by several factors:

1. Productivity concerns: With economic pressures mounting, businesses are scrutinising productivity metrics.
2. Cultural erosion: After years of remote work, many organisations are noting a decline in company culture and team cohesion.
3. Safety culture challenges: Building and maintaining a strong safety culture through virtual means has proven challenging.
4. Equity issues: Disparities between office-based staff and frontline workers are becoming more pronounced.

As one CEO we spoke to recently put it, "You can't partner with the business from your living room." This sentiment resonates particularly in industries with significant frontline, blue-collar and retail/hospitality workforces.

The hidden career risks of remote work

While working from home offers undeniable benefits, it's worth considering its potential impact on your career progression. A 2021 survey by the Society for Human Resource Management found that 42% of supervisors sometimes forget about remote workers when assigning tasks. In safety roles, where visibility and influence are crucial, this could be particularly detrimental.

You might be missing out on:

• Informal learning opportunities – both within your team and across the broader business
• Impromptu brainstorming and problem-solving sessions
• Building relationships with colleagues and stakeholders
• Visibility from your peers and managers
• Demonstrating leadership skills in real-time
• Opportunities to learn about, engage with and influence on workplace health and safety.

The AI factor: A new player in the game

Artificial Intelligence is poised to significantly impact the safety profession. Tasks traditionally performed remotely from writing reports and procedures to data analysis, and even certain aspects of risk assessments, are becoming increasingly more automated. While AI promises to automate many safety tasks, it also introduces new workplace safety considerations that safety professionals need to understand.

A 2020 McKinsey study found that up to 25% of the workforce in advanced economies could work remotely three to five days a week. Notably, these roles often align with those most susceptible to AI automation.

For safety leaders, this underscores the importance of focusing on uniquely human skills:

• Change management and organisational influence
• Emotional intelligence and stakeholder management
• On-the-ground risk assessment and crisis management
• Strategic thinking and complex problem-solving

These skills are best developed and demonstrated through in-person interactions, further emphasising the value of office presence.

Navigating the ‘new’, new normal

Whether you are hiring or seeking new opportunities, consider these strategies:

1. Increased in person face time: If you are currently in the office two days a week, could you bump it up to three or four? Being physically present offers numerous advantages in influence, information access, and relationship building.
2. Highlight in-person value: When negotiating roles or work arrangements, be prepared to articulate how your physical presence contributes to safety outcomes and organisational goals.
3. Embrace hybrid solutions: Propose structured hybrid arrangements that maximise your in-office impact while maintaining some flexibility.
4. Upskill strategically: Focus on developing skills that AI cannot easily replicate - leadership, complex problem-solving, and change management.
5. Stay visible: If working remotely, make extra effort to stay connected with colleagues and leadership. Regular check-ins and proactive communication can help mitigate the "out of sight, out of mind" risk.

Striking the right balance

The key to navigating this evolving landscape is flexibility - not just in work arrangements, but in mindset. Regularly reassess the effectiveness of your current work arrangement and be open to adjustments as needed.

Remember, in safety, our core mission remains unchanged - influencing change, mitigating risks, and fostering a culture of safety. The methods may evolve, but the importance of human connection in achieving these goals remains paramount.

How we can assist

In navigating these complex waters, it is valuable to have an industry partner who understands the nuances of the safety industry. As recruiters specialising in this sector, we have supported numerous professionals and organisations through various workplace transitions. We have seen firsthand how the right match between a safety leader and an organisation can drive significant improvements in safety outcomes.

Our role goes beyond just filling positions; we aim to understand the unique challenges and aspirations of both safety professionals and the businesses we work with. Whether you are facing immediate challenges in securing the right role or team member, or you are looking for support in shaping your long-term career goals, our industry insights and network can provide valuable perspectives as you navigate this evolving landscape.

Looking ahead

The future of work in safety is undoubtedly evolving. While some predict the end of hybrid work within years, the reality is likely more nuanced. What remains constant is the core of the profession - influencing change, mitigating risks, and fostering a culture of safety.

As you navigate these changes, remember that your value lies in your ability to connect, influence, and drive meaningful improvements in safety outcomes. How will you adapt your approach to maximise your impact and stay at the forefront of the safety profession?

The safety leaders who thrive will be those who can effectively balance the benefits of flexibility with the undeniable value of personal presence and leadership. It is a complex challenge, but one that presents significant opportunities for those willing to adapt and innovate.