VirtualTeams_Toolkit_ENG

7 www.virtual-teams.eu 1.3. Field research findings This toolkit was created to specifically address the current needs of SMEs team leaders, HR professionals, managers and eWorkers who work remotely. In order to achieve this, a needs analysis assessment was conducted in each partner country through a mixed method research design. Specifically, a qualitative questionnaire survey was launched in each country with a minimum target of 20 completed survey responses. A purposive sampling method was applied targeting Team Leaders, HR professionals and managers. A total of 128 responses were collected through the questionnaires reaching the predetermined goals. The questionnaire consisted of multiple questions covering the following topics: ● Challenges and changes at work ● Current needs on skills development ● Current needs on ICTs (digital tools) ● Desired areas for future training In addition, a focus group was implemented in each country with SMEs team leaders, HR professionals and managers, reaching a total of 47 people in our target groups. The main focus was to use a qualitative method to gain a spherical view of the specific needs of our target group at the moment. Below you can see the main findings of each country’s research. 1.3.1. Cyprus Through both research methods (questionnaires and focus group) of the field research implemented in Cyprus, some common findings arise. The first finding is that the majority of the participants prefer working from home compared to going regularly in the office. A hybrid model was the most preferable working arrangement, but only if participants have the control of scheduling when they will work from the office. Another common finding of the research is that HR professionals and team leaders are concerned about their employees' well-being and ways in which they can support them in maintaining a healthy work-life balance. HR Professionals and Team Leaders reported via both research methods that they would like to receive further information about enhancing their employees’ well-being (emotional and social) and wellness and ways they can support them in keeping a healthy work-life balance.

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