As the world wrestles with the global coronavirus pandemic, many sectors are feeling the sting. Lockdown orders and social distancing have become the norm, shredding the social fabric we have known all these years.
There is no denying the fact that the Coronavirus pandemic has upended the world of work. Here are some of the ways the world of work is changing.
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Remote Work is the New Normal
There were projections that remote work would be massively adopted by 2028. The pandemic has made light work of that estimate. Not just is remote work the new normal – it is here to stay.
Video conferencing software like Skype, Whereby, and Zoom has seen an exponential increase in the number of users. Remote work has incredible benefits. A two-year study by Stanford University revealed that working from home increases productivity. These workers had 50% “less attrition” with reduced time offs. If anything, this pandemic has shown that telecommuting and virtual teamwork is possible in many business niches.
And many top businesses have caught the fever. Microsoft and Google asked employees to work from home. Shopify has extended a $1,000 relief to its employees to help them set up their home workspaces.
Health Would be Prioritized
Currently, many employers are screening workers before allowing them into office spaces. Temperature checks have become the new normal. This trend is likely to continue long after scientists subdue the virus. It won’t be a surprise if lawmakers enact legislation requiring businesses to adopt some health protocols.
Office space design is likely to see a shift. Future offices would incorporate spatial planning, taking a cue from the concept of social distancing. Hand sanitizers are going to be a feature of the work environment for a very long time, and mental health is going to be a topical issue. You can bet that no one would dismiss signs of illness among employees.
Job Losses and Furlough
There are fears that the impact of the virus on the global economy would be the worst since the 2008 recession and the Great depression. So far, more than 16 million people in the US have lost their jobs. Some estimates project that 47 million jobs could be lost by the time the pandemic winds down. Many businesses have started adopting lean models and finding new ways of doing business.
Some companies are arbitrarily dismissing employees without recourse to the law. Things like a vacation, paid leave and furlough have become significant issues of contention. Unemployment claims have also gone up significantly. For those still going to physical workspaces amid the virus, there are many lingering questions. For instance, what happens if you contract the virus at work? A workers’ compensation attorney can help you choose the best course of action.
Automation is likely to transform how businesses function. Some organizations are adopting digital methods to speed up work. The effect of this strategy is that a lot of workers may lose their jobs in the long run.
In a Sum
A lot of things are not going to be the same after the virus is gone. The world of work is going to be one of the hardest hit. Employees and employers alike are expecting a series of changes. Remote work, for instance, is going to be a mainstay for businesses. Companies will try to adopt lean models and automate business processes. This measure means employees must evolve their skills to remain relevant.
