The global coronavirus pandemic has taught us to be flexible, adapt to changes and to be
resilient. The pandemic has been the biggest game-changer of the century or perhaps even
in the history of mankind.
The sudden lockdowns shook everyone. Businesses suffered a setback. It seemed like an
endless battle. While uncertainty loomed over the situation, many companies resorted to
work-from-home, thanks to the digital age and technological advancements; others
followed suit. And while everyone thought remote working was here to stay for good, the
situation began improving, the COVID positive numbers began plummeting and markets began
opening.
Employers began calling some of the staff whose presence was needed in the office while
the rest worked from home or came to the office occasionally. Thus began a new work
culture – the hybrid work culture. Certain sectors like manufacturing and the service
sector could not work remotely. They resumed their normal work pattern to keep their
businesses rolling.
The pandemic has changed the way we perceive our professional lives. Today, it is mostly
a hybrid work pattern. Flexibility has become acceptable, affordable and productive for
both employers and employees to propel their businesses ahead.
Another change that became strikingly visible was employee well-being. Post-COVID,
employee well-being is one of the top priorities for employers to retain employees.
While onsite employees are the most preferred lot when it comes to perks and promotions,
business houses are trying to overcome their bias and support the remote talent.
Most employees are looking for remote or hybrid work. Surveys show that hybrid working
has improved performance. Employees are also likely to stay in the organization if the
work is flexible. Monitoring employees is no longer difficult with advanced
technologies. Employee-monitoring tools were popular even before the pandemic. What
helped the world sustain in their personal and professional lives during the uncertain
times and the lockdowns is technology. Technology is here to stay and keep advancing,
pandemic or no pandemic. Everyone needs to adopt the newer ways of functioning to
survive in this volatile world.
New applications and programs, innovations and enhancements have been made in the
digital work to ease things for people. With the use of technologies, the concept of
co-working also assumed importance. Whether it is hybrid working, co-working spaces or
digitalization, these are here to stay.
The question is – now that life has become normal; are we ready to accept the new style
of working or would prefer the traditional 8-hour brick and mortar set-up?