With an unclear future ahead of us, and as alternative work arrangements continue to be implemented worldwide due to the pandemic, companies are embracing change and rethinking the definition of the “workplace”.
Offices are no longer tied to the traditional, physical space, but rather to a sense of community- so that no matter where employees are, they all “belong” to the same company.
There is no doubt that ways of working have been evolving for a while now, but this has been greatly accelerated by the pandemic. Progressiveness is no longer a shiny, cool thing adopted by tech companies, it has become a necessity for all.
This rapid adoption of flexible working has led many to challenge previous concepts of working and productivity; an argument that could no longer be ignored. From cost-effectiveness to achieving a healthy work-life balance, the benefits of new working models are endless.
As technology continues to evolve, and as companies embrace the change, what is the future of the workplace going to look like?
Less hierarchy, greater inclusivity
The shift in the way we work had led us to embrace a more collaborative approach. Work has become more agile, with zoom/teams calls and various project management tools creating an ideal platform for teamwork.
Growth is no longer linear, and employees will have increased exposure to different projects across their companies as teamwork has become easier than ever.
Trust and increased productivity
Work from home has meant that employers have had to trust that employees were logging in and were committed to maintaining the same level of dedication and professionalism away from the watchful eyes of their managers. It has forced a shift in mindset, away from rigid working hours, to a focus on output and productivity. Ultimately, employers saw that no matter where people were working from, they were getting the job done.
Eventually, work from home will broaden to include working from other locations and geographies, and performance measures will be further adapted to match this trend.
Mental health cannot be ignored
Constantly evolving measures and spikes in infection rates have taken a toll on us all. Employers have acknowledged these challenges and many have invested in providing support for their employees through mental health and wellness resources. As we move into 2022 and beyond, companies will continue to expand employee wellbeing initiatives.
Employers that wish to remain competitive and to be seen as employers of choice will need to adapt and change as needed, in response to the changing environment. As the pandemic continues to impact our economies and the workplace at large, flexibility and adaptability are the essential tools for survival- both for employees and employers.
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