The pandemic has normalized remote and hybrid working models around the world. However, the post-pandemic situation presents a slightly altered reality. Many large companies offer such flexible working opportunities to junior professionals, but do mid-career professionals also receive such benefits?
Lokesh Nigam, co-founder and CEO of Konverz.ai, said that in today’s employment landscape, there is a case for mid-career professionals to be offered flexible work models, including remote and hybrid options. He says it is increasing. He lists roles in the technology field as software developer, data analyst, product manager, and UX/UI designer. Financial analysts and project managers in financial consulting. Digital marketers and salespeople in marketing and sales. Online educator and corporate trainer in the education field. Human Resources Manager and Employee Engagement Coordinator in the Human Resources Department.
Although WFH and hybrid models are offered in various industries, Radhika Vivek, Senior Partner, TRANSEARCH India-Consumer, Outsourcing & BPO Practice, says they are more common among multinational companies than Indian organizations. says.
Many technology products and services companies (such as Atlassian, CISCO, and Dell), startups, and consulting firms offer complete WFH. FMCG, manufacturing, financial services and technology organizations are adopting hybrid models. Having said that, some sectors such as healthcare, pharmaceuticals, traditional media (print, television and radio), banking, retail and real estate have returned to full office mode, she added.
Monica Jamwal, Managing Director of Talent Solutions at ANSR, said: “Hybrid work is no longer a perk, but an operational strategy that allows technology companies to leverage a diverse workforce around the world while maintaining flexibility, productivity, and work-life balance for everyone.” Employees – Starting their careers Whether you’re a new employee or a seasoned professional. This trend shows that hybrids are here to stay, offering the best of both worlds: access to a global talent pool while maintaining essential in-person collaboration when needed. ”
Anitha Sarathy, Head of Indian Culture at Encora Inc., echoed similar sentiments. Flexible work is increasingly being offered to mid-career professionals, especially in industries that value adaptability, such as high tech, consulting, marketing, and digital services. These fields rely heavily on experienced professionals who can lead projects, manage teams, and deliver results from virtually anywhere, she says. Why flexible work models are often offered to early-career professionals
Nigam said research by Stanford University economist Nick Bloom and his team at WFH Research shows that this trend is driven by millennials and Gen Z, who are reshaping the workforce with digital fluency and a desire for work-life balance. He said that this was particularly noticeable among the
Additionally, he said that many companies have several misconceptions about the capabilities of mid-career professionals. For example, resistance to change, limited collaboration skills, lack of innovation, reduced need for flexibility, and lack of productivity in a remote environment compared to the beginning. -Career counterpart. These will promote these flexible working opportunities more towards new entrants.
For mid-level professionals leading teams, Vivek said, there are administrative responsibilities such as productivity, managing team cohesion, setting expectations, and overall oversight, which can pose concerns in a remote setting. said.
She says new managers (usually mid-career professionals) often struggle with the responsibility of managing individual KRAs and teams remotely, resulting in longer working hours and forced This can lead to a need for micromanagement, lack of supervision, and a lack of work life. balance. This can lead to extreme stress and negatively impact productivity.
In Sarathy’s opinion, companies often view early-career professionals as agile and adaptable, which may explain why younger talent is more likely to take on remote and hybrid opportunities. there is.
Additionally, she says it’s a misconception that mid-career professionals can struggle with flexibility and adaptability to technology. In return, they bring a wealth of experience, accountability, leadership skills, and the ability to navigate change equally effectively.
How can mid-career professionals make themselves more attractive to these work models?
Nigam says mid-career professionals should focus on acquiring trending skills and pursue relevant questions to be highly suited to hybrid and remote work setups. Proficiency with virtual communication tools (Zoom, Slack, Microsoft Teams, etc.). Ability to manage projects remotely using tools like Asana, Trello, and Monday.com. Techniques for effectively managing time in a remote environment. Ability to work independently. Understand the industry’s relevant technology and software. Being familiar with collaboration software (Google Workspace, Notion, etc.) are some of the skills you’ll need to hone.
Certifications for marketers such as “Remote Work Professional,” Google Analytics, HubSpot Content Marketing, and Facebook Blueprint. Data analysis tools (e.g. Excel, Tableau, Google Data Studio). Nigam says that leveraging cybersecurity fundamentals such as CompTIA Security+ to understand online safety while working remotely can help mid-career professionals perform their roles when working outside of the office. Helpful.
Vivek reiterates that mid-career professionals who want to work remotely need to develop skills like time management, set clear expectations, communicate clearly, and trust their team members. . Companies that offer flexibility in the workplace trust their employees to make optimal schedule adjustments to maximize productivity, so they focus on results and deliverables rather than the number of hours worked. is important.
Mid-career professionals can stand out by focusing on digital skills, project management expertise and leadership abilities, Sarathy says. She also advises increasing your visibility by earning certifications in remote team management, digital communications, and methodologies such as Agile and Scrum. She added that lifelong learning is essential to staying on top of the latest technology and staying competitive.
