Remote Working Trends That Will Last Post-pandemic

Companies that are implementing remote working for the first time may have been forced to do so, but this trend is likely to make a lasting impact on the workplace after the pandemic has ended.

“[The coronavirus] has changed the nature of how many do business, from healthcare practitioners turning to telemedicine, teachers conducting classes over video conference, and therapists speaking with patients over private video chat,” said Howard Brown, CEO of ringDNA. “Even in sales, a job that has often included remote components, sales reps are being forced to forgo crucial face-to-face meetings with customers.”

Moving forward, Christopher Kent, futurist at Foresight Alliance, said that two things are expected to occur when things return to “normal”: conflicts between managers and staff about what is safe and how working from home can feel without the distractions of other people.

Traditional work environments are also expected to change as employers rethink expensive offices and look to cut costs through remote working options. While it is not likely that all companies will adopt an entirely distributed workforce, it is expected that some will allow telecommuting part of the time.

New technology will also be key for organizations to continue operations and maintain success. These tools can help teams collaborate remotely, while encouraging workers to learn new skills and improve efficiency.