COVID-19 Pandemic Shifts Management Paradigm, Says French Survey

The COVID crisis has profoundly impacted the way we work. Teleworking has become widespread since 2020. While much attention has been paid to employees and employers, the experiences of managers, who bridge the gap between the two, have been overlooked. The Confédération française de l'encadrement - Confédération générale des cadres (CFE-CGC) surveyed thousands of managers, with the results to be unveiled at a conference on April 24th. Initial findings indicate that the surge in remote work has necessitated a complete overhaul of management practices.

The COVID-19 Pandemic: A Paradigm Shift in Management

The global COVID-19 pandemic has profoundly altered the landscape of work, accelerating the adoption of remote work practices. While much attention has been paid to the challenges and adjustments faced by employees and employers, the role of managers in navigating this transition has received less scrutiny.

To shed light on this crucial aspect, the French Confederation of Management (CFE-CGC) conducted a comprehensive survey of thousands of managers. The findings, set to be unveiled at a conference on April 24, offer valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities managers have encountered in the post-pandemic era.

Managers: Navigating a New Era of Hybrid Work

The surge in remote work has compelled hybrid managers to overhaul their management styles over the past four years. According to Franceinfo, this has been particularly challenging in corporate cultures marked by a deep-seated mistrust of remote work.

A lack of trust from superiors has further hindered managers' efforts to adapt. In fact, as many as one-third of managers surveyed admitted to not having changed their practices due to a lack of training on how to lead remote teams effectively.

"This is an area that requires continued attention," said Maxime Legrand of CFE-CGC. "If individuals feel excessively monitored, it creates tension and undermines productivity. In such cases, the transformation of work remains superficial."

The Anxiety of Management

The pressures of managing teams remotely have taken a toll on managers' well-being. Between the demands of isolation, the stress of managing teams remotely, and the desire to prove their worth more than they would in an office setting, 71% of managers surveyed reported experiencing anxiety.

The CFE-CGC believes that managers need better support, recognition, and training, especially as younger generations express reservations about pursuing managerial roles.

Rethinking the Role of Managers

The pandemic has forced a re-examination of the role of managers in a hybrid work environment. Traditional management practices, centered around physical proximity and direct oversight, have become less feasible in a world where employees are increasingly dispersed.

Effective managers in the post-pandemic era must be equipped with the tools and skills to lead and motivate teams from afar. This includes fostering trust, providing clear communication, and creating a culture of support and collaboration.

Implications for the Future

The CFE-CGC survey highlights the urgent need for organizations to invest in the professional development of managers. By providing managers with the necessary training, support, and recognition, companies can empower them to lead hybrid teams effectively and contribute to a more productive and fulfilling work environment for all.

As the world continues to navigate the post-pandemic workplace, the role of managers will become increasingly critical. By embracing the lessons learned from the past four years and investing in their managerial workforce, organizations can unlock the full potential of hybrid work and create a more sustainable and resilient work environment for the future.