How COVID-19 Has Changed the Workplace

Due to the global pandemic, the way we work has changed forever. After just a year, professionals experienced major shifts within the workplace, unexpectedly. Amidst the world criticism, businesses had to adjust their operations and adapt to the new normal. 

So, what exactly has changed in the working world? Here’s a quick recap for you. 

Work Ready Homes

At the beginning of the pandemic, everyone was made to stay at home. As a result, professionals across all industries were made to turn their homes into an office. If you didn’t have a desk, your dining table would have to do. The sudden shift to remote work was a big challenge for office-based professionals. 

After working for months at home, having a make-shift desk might not cut it anymore. According to studies, your workplace can have a direct effect on your levels of productivity. Not having a designated workspace or an uncomfortable one can decrease your focus and drive. 

To adapt to the new-normal, remote workers started investing in their home-office equipment. From ergonomic chairs, standing desks to even office plants. Throughout the year, remote workers have created their WFH haven. 

More Work Flexibility 

Although organizations cannot fully run remotely, work arrangements can include WFH set up throughout the week. The era of social distancing has taught organizations how to be more flexible. They were able to have a second look at who they need onsite to keep their operations running. 

Another great insight remote work operations showed companies is its cost-effectiveness. Renting out an office space and providing work equipment costs money. By providing flexible work arrangements, employers can opt for a smaller workspace to save on costs. 

E-learning is Here to Stay

With everyone cooped up at home, e-learning became the best solution to continue learning and development. More investments have been made towards e-learning to help encourage employees’ upskill and grow in their careers. 

While online training has already been around, its demand has skyrocketed. Professionals today have become more familiar with virtual learning tools from online classes to conferences. Before the pandemic, many professionals would have preferred face-to-face seminars. After taking a significant part in their career building in the past year, it’s safe to say that e-learning will be here to stay. 

Decrease in Business Travel 

Travel bans and restrictions have put a stop to business trips. Even after a year, the pandemic has made a significant hit to business travel. Before the spread of the virus, video conferencing has already been replacing business travel. As a more cost-efficient solution, it won’t be a surprise if this trend continues in the upcoming years. 

The work-from-home set-up has proven its effectiveness during these trying times. Managers no longer need to take the time and money to fly across the waters to meet an off-site team. With e-learning and video conferencing on hand, professionals can effectively do their job from afar. 

Final Thoughts 

Although the world pandemic has disrupted the workplace, it has given a great opportunity for professionals to re-evaluate how they do things. Implementing remote work has given valuable insights into work operations. Teaching organizations learned how to be more flexible and effectively run their business. After taking a look at the past year, you can get a good idea of where the future of work is headed, post-pandemic.