I recently read the Middle Market Growth’s special report titled Future of Work 2021. The report addressed post-pandemic realities across several dimensions: the future of work, productivity, strategies for managing a mobile workforce, technology game- changers, the future of logistics, a focus on mentally healthy employees, and technology and ERP systems.

‍

A section entitled “Focus on Mentally Healthy Employees” addressed the transitions to work from home or hybrid model from the traditional in-office model. The narrative in the report focuses on what the company needs to do. I think this section is missing a big point here. The employees, who always depended on someone else to manage their time and life, now regulate their own lives in this new model.

‍

Many people, not all, may not recognize this or have the skills or desire to do so. It’s the hard stuff of life. And many people try to avoid the challenging and uncomfortable aspects of life.

‍

The ones who succeed in life (based on their definition of success) are the folks who step up, identify the hard stuff, face it and do something about it.

‍

If the industry thinks that employers can improve employees’ health by themselves, it will never happen.

‍

People may be tired of hearing the word accountability. Personal accountability is what will get them through this and enable them to thrive in the future.

‍

Mahatma Gandhi’s quote, “I suppose leadership at one time meant muscles; but today it means getting along with people” has never been more true. In order to get along with people, you need to know yourself and be personally accountable.

‍