Current work conditions may seem like a temporary solution to our current situation, but the impact will last much longer than the pandemic. While telecommuting is certainly not a new concept, it will likely become a more widely adopted arrangement that will transform the workplace indefinitely.
The sudden shift to working from home has exposed major gaps in businesses’ emergency plans as they have scrambled to provide tools for employees to work from home efficiently.
This new way of working will likely lead to numerous companies upgrading their technology solutions in order to actually prepare for future quarantines or other emergencies that require people to work from home. Companies are also expected to adopt more flexible and mobile solutions that can allow employees to complete their work tasks on devices at a moment’s notice.
Using video conferencing tools has become one of the most significant changes, and workers can expect it to become a permanent part of a company’s operations. Not only is videoconferencing a great way to host work-related meetings, but it can be used for more “watercooler” chats and virtual happy hours.
Additionally, people will likely have more freedom to choose when and where they work as more companies have the infrastructure to support remote workers. This is useful for working parents or those with long, stressful commutes.