Managing Expectations in a Post-Pandemic Workplace

Disability InsurersEmployersManaging Expectations in a Post-Pandemic WorkplacePostedApril 28, 2025April 22, 2025March 21, 2025 fromBenefits CanadaFor Nikelle Inman, the excitement of her new job as a student success coach quickly gave way to disappointment. Hired to support first-generation college students, she found herself buried in administrative tasks, disconnected from the very students she hoped to help. Inman stated that,“Admissions work kind of took over what we were supposed to do. I felt disengaged with the position, more so because I just didn’t feel valued.”Inman’s story is increasingly common. As roles evolve or become overloaded, many employees feel misaligned with the jobs they were hired to do—and unsure of what’s expected of them.Employee Clarity is DecliningA recent Gallup analysis shows a decline in role clarity among U.S. employees. In January 2020, 56% of workers strongly agreed they understood what was expected of them. By November 2024, that number had dropped to below 50%.The drop is most pronounced among newer and younger employees, white-collar professionals in fields like technology and finance, and those in hybrid work environments. These workers are less likely to feel clear about their responsibilities, especially when job roles shift or expand without direct communication. Jeremy Guttenplan, executive leadership trainer and coach, commenting“With all the rounds of layoffs, people’s scope and responsibilities are shifting constantly. You think about the ones left behind and the work is just getting piled on them.”The Hybrid Work ChallengeGallup also found that 55% of employees with remote capability are now working in hybrid arrangements—up from one-third in 2019. About one-quarter are working remotely full-time. While flexibility is valued, it can make communication and role clarity harder to maintain.The blurred boundaries between in-office and remote work have caused confusion for many employees—especially when priorities shift rapidly, and job descriptions no longer reflect the current reality.Setting Clear Boundaries and ExpectationsAmber Krasinski, founder of IvyHill Strategies, has learned the importance of setting expectations early—especially in high-pressure or fast-paced environments. When a prospective client asked her to produce 85 TikTok videos in just three hours, she declined the opportunity. Krasinski lent some advice on what she found helpful:“Avoid that people-pleasing side that says, ‘You can figure it out, you can do it.’ You don’t want to let anybody down, but you also need to set yourself up for success.”Krasinski now makes a point to ask clarifying questions upfront and provide clients with regular progress updates to stay aligned.How Employers Can Rebuild ConnectionMore frequent check-ins between employees and managers can help clarify priorities and prevent misunderstandings. For team members unsure whether they’re focusing on the right tasks, regular feedback provides valuable reassurance and direction.Some organizations are finding creative ways to encourage communication and build trust. Brian Smith, managing partner at IA Business Advisors, hosts weekly “gratitude sessions” with his team.For the first 20 minutes, a coach offers guidance on topics such as time management and customer service. The final 10 minutes are reserved for employees to share what they’re grateful for—creating space for connection and reflection.Working Towards Better CommunicationAs job roles shift and hybrid work becomes the norm, managing employee expectations is more important than ever. Without clear direction, employees may feel disengaged, undervalued, or overwhelmed.By investing in better communication, fostering two-way feedback, and being transparent about evolving roles, employers can keep their teams focused, connected, and motivated—even as the workplace continues to change.Considering an IME or document review to resolve an insurance claim, legal file, or workplace health and safety issue?Our specialists provide evidence-based opinions, soget in touchwith Western Medical today to learn more about our services.communicationemployee engagementhybrid workproductivityremote work