We are taking firm steps forward in the post-coronavirus pandemic era and are called upon to assess the new reality globally arising over the last two years.
Much as we live at a time when the technological means we have allow us to eliminate distances and minimize communication difficulties, it is obvious that technology cannot fully replace human contact. Interacting with other people is not only an integral part of socializing, but also constitutes a determining factor in achieving our mental balance and well-being. Thus, the conditions prevailing in the last two years have once more brought to the surface the significance of human relationships and the undeniable importance of well-being in our everyday life.
At the same time, the pandemic has impeded shaping the corporate culture, all the more so when it is human-centered. Teleworking has prevented us from sharing the values and actions that such a culture entails and - as a matter of course - a new working environment had to be generated. This new workplace is to significantly contribute to improving our mental health and effectively meeting our needs.
Grant Thornton Greece new initiative is one of our ongoing efforts to support the well-being and balance between personal and professional lives of our people.
The idea of moving to a four-day work week in August, with our additional leave days, but not in the least affecting employment rights, working hours or wages was put forward and implemented by our executives. This way, our people will have more time to do whatever it is that makes them feel happy and unwind.
Our initiative shapes our future, creating the new work environment at Grant Thornton, together with our people, who are central to our promise “Go Beyond. Move forward together”.
We apprehend the way the new era is developing as well as the new data emerging that have emerged in response to the pandemic and embrace the rapid changes taking place in technology and our society. Hybrid and flexible work models have become a necessity which balances our personal and professional life.
We do understand that the age workforce seek meaning and purpose in their work, looking for challenge that will develop their skills, but above all – what interests them most is that their needs are met at both: professional and personal levels. We create new work environment by applying a transformational leadership model based on empathy, personalized communication and entire adoption of change throughout all our firm. The work environment that builds up authentic and honest relationships between employees, supports diversity and improves everyone's daily life, extending free time without altering already established rights to salaries, leave and hours.
We recognize that the so-called "war for talent" will be won in everyday battles, where people, applying the modern technological means, will be able to achieve job well-being and happiness.
At the same time, the talented generation Z, currently entering the labor market, will see that we make available to them elements of autonomy, friendly environment and equal opportunities for professional and personal development. The elements that constitute the most vital issues when they are selecting the first step at the beginning of their professional life.
Grant Thornton's culture has always been and will always remain human-centered, and therefore, every action we take will aim at supporting our people and improving their professional and personal lives.
Vassilis Kazas
Managing Partner of Grant Thornton
