Getting Employees Back to the Office

Workforce issues have become exponentially important in the pandemic era. How to navigate the myriad novel situations arising from a virus that ebbs and flows, requires leadership to contemplate new methods to fight back and keep employees safe.

So PUF paid attention when an innovative approach to this difficult workforce issue came front and center in Pittsburgh with its famous three rivers. Proof that thoughtful management can show staff how valued they are.

PUF sat down with Duquesne Light CEO Kevin Walker to find out about the creative persona system put into effect at that utility. There is more too, so listen in.
 

PUF's Steve Mitnick: You have an innovative approach to a problem of how to bring the workforce back to work in office environments. What was your goal?

Kevin Walker: It has to do with being respectful and responsive to the people's needs and desires. There's not a single path. Many people want to be back in the office as much as they can. They feel at their best when they're with colleagues in proximity, can collaborate, and have those off-the-cuff conversations at the water cooler.

There are people who thrive in that environment. Then there are personas that are effective, scientifically so, factually so, in a remote setting, whether at their home or some other off-site location, and then there are people in between.