An unprecedented situation in recent modern history has shaken up the world. The novel coronavirus has forced many countries to declare a state of emergency, implement a set of rules that limit social contact and life. Since the world is still in the middle of the pandemic, the consequences of the same are still not clear. However, since more than 30 million people lost their job in the past six weeks in the US only, something will have to change. For this reason, let’s see what companies can learn from this pandemic and how the new work-life might look in the future.
Companies will depend more on technology
Since many people are forced to work from home, digital communication has become extremely important. In order to respect the social distance of 6 ft., people cannot go to their office. However, you still need to communicate with your employees on a regular basis. That is why many are trying to find the best intranet systems. Now, you can hold a meeting via Skype, Slack, Google Hangouts, and similar platforms. Many experts believe this trend will remain even after the pandemic. For this reason, you should find a platform that works perfectly for your company. You can also post weekly schedules, keep your employees informed, and communicate with them via one digital platform.
Going to an office might be impossible?
As mentioned, it is impossible to work from the office as you cannot keep the social distance. It is still early to have valid results, but so far, many have realized that working from office does not equal productivity. In addition to this, since it is still uncertain when people will be able to go back to their office, company owners are paying rents and utility bills for empty office spaces. This is not beneficial to their companies’ budgets. Therefore, working from an office might become a status symbol. Only wealthy companies might be able to afford to have an office, especially in business districts. Employees might have fewer chances of working from the office. Instead, there will be more remote positions available.
Medical checkups should become mandatory
How many companies are truly concerned about the health of their employees? Probably not as many as you would expect. Unfortunately, healthcare systems around the world are extremely lacking. The novel coronavirus has forced many major companies, such as Walmart, Starbucks, and Amazon, to measure the temperature of their employees. This should become a practice for many other companies, not just taking temperature, but generally taking care of employees’ health. Annual medical checkups should become mandatory for all employees. This would be the most important lesson that companies should learn from this pandemic. Health is the most valuable thing a person can have. Employers should value their employees’ health the most as healthy employees equal thriving business.
Relationship between coworkers
This pandemic might strengthen the personal relationship between coworkers. Most people do not really know or even care about their coworkers. In addition to this, most employers do not care about workplace connection, only for profit. However, this is not how one company should work. Employees should feel comfortable and welcomed at their workplace since this increases productivity. Even when the pandemic ends, building a strong relationship between employees and gaining loyalty should be the main goals of one company. Managers should encourage team building activities, open communication, and a positive working atmosphere. Employees should be able to talk comfortably about their troubles and issues. Managers should take notes and learn how to improve working conditions.
Gender equality
Even though it is the 21st century, there is still a huge wage gap between sexes. In addition to this, many employers are hesitant to hire women because of their possible marriage and pregnancies in the future. This puts women in an unfavorable situation where they cannot find a job even though they are qualified. Since this pandemic has shown that it is possible to work from home, this might change employers’ minds. Many women might balance private and professional life more efficiently. However, not only women will benefit from this change. Having more remote positions might be beneficial for men as well. They can spend more quality time with their families and have better relationships with their children. Companies should create a more gender-balanced work culture.
9-to-5 office hours might not be longer necessary
This pandemic also introduced more flexible working hours for many companies. Companies should allow employees to organize their working schedule while still respecting deadlines. Employees will also have more responsibility. They will be able to organize their schedules while still being productive and helping their company to grow. However, this does not mean standard working dynamics should be erased. Instead, they should be adapted to the new situation. Many Scandinavian countries already shortened their working hours. This system proved to be fruitful. Therefore, companies can ask for mandatory meetings once a day, while letting their employees create their own timetables.