The Future of Work
Returning to the workplace will require creativity and flexibility.
Since the onset of the pandemic in March, we have learned a lot about the various ways in which we do our work. We better understand what types of roles and activities can be done remotely and which ones benefit from, or require, our physical presence. We have been creative in terms of our policies, technologies, and practices, and I want to make sure that we retain best practices long into the future. I recognize that one size will not fit all; that has never been the case in the past and will not be the case in the future. But I am hopeful that we have learned to be more flexible in terms of how we perform our work and how we can support others in doing the same. It will be some time before we can begin the process of returning to the workplace with some semblance of normalcy. This provides each organization time to plan.
Telework
My expectation is that we will continue to encourage telework where possible, even in a post-COVID environment. Telework is not a new flexibility, but it has been little used within the Institution. I believe we have learned that we can, indeed, get some of our work done remotely, and we should continue to encourage remote work where it makes sense. Supervisors have the opportunity to balance mission needs with an employee’s desire to telework, and it need not be an all-or-nothing proposition. Some might be able to do their work in a largely telework status, while others might need to be at the workplace most of the time. The majority will end up somewhere in between. We have all been reminded of the importance of connecting in person, regardless of how the work is accomplished. We want our policies, technologies, and practices to support all of these scenarios.
Technological solutions
If we envision a future where we can host and participate in virtual meetings that include a mix of in-person and remote attendees, we need to think differently about our technological solutions and office arrangements. Rather than each of us determining the best way to do this, I want to take a “One Smithsonian” approach and offer a suite of options that are both effective and efficient.
Flexible work schedules
This is another flexibility that has existed for quite some time but has been under-utilized by supervisors and employees. Over the past seven months, we have seen an increase in the use of flexible work schedules, and we should encourage staff to retain such schedules into the future. As a reminder, here is the guidance regarding flexible work schedules.
Other work-related flexibilities
We also have learned that, even for those whose work requires them to be physically present most or all of the time, we can build some flexibility into their schedules through shift work or certain tasks that can be done from home. This will assist with all of the challenges we experience with childcare, eldercare, and other work-life balance situations.
Supervision and work approach
As a historian, I realize we are all products of our experiences and habits. Like many of us, I am accustomed to managing teams that are physically co-located. Both supervisors and staff will need to navigate a more complex workplace. The future will be a mix of physical and virtual work experiences where all team members are valued and respected. The Smithsonian will need to integrate all of the digital tools we have mastered into our previous work experience.
Colleagues and professional relationships
I recognize that when we have fewer in-person interactions, we lose some of our ability to connect with other colleagues and leaders for mentoring relationships and professional development conversations. I encourage supervisors to continue to reach out to members of your teams for no-agenda check-ins; likewise, I remind each of you to take virtual coffee breaks with mentors and leaders alike. Over my career, I have benefitted tremendously from mentoring relationships, and I know the value that these relationships can have on us personally and professionally.
I have asked our team to design multiple options going forward. There will be more to come over the next few months, but in the meantime, I want to thank all of you for the adaptability and caring you all have demonstrated as we have grappled with this pandemic. Everyone has been doing their best during uncertain times, and I am proud that we have continued to find ways to fulfill our mission despite the many challenges coming our way.
Lonnie Bunch
Secretary
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Posted: 1 December 2020
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