Millions of people lost their jobs as the world hit pause. Returning to the workplace is imperative for many, or else they starve. Staying home was a blessing for many who juggle multiple responsibilities; opening up restarts their strain. What have we learned as the world grapples with combining the new and the old?
Five thoughts to ponder upon while reframing our approach in a post-pandemic world.
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1. New Beginning
The new age in the workplace will bring long overdue changes. The pandemic showed us that flexibility is the key everywhere. And we must recalibrate. Whether we work in offices, at home, or take a hybrid approach, healthier workplaces are here to stay. Our environs need to change was the loudest message of this pandemic. The learnings must help us develop adaptable habits. Enabling us to find resolutions and challenge our thinking.
We can begin by re-examining the inflexibility of processes. COVID-19 proved that meetings might have been an email. Or even a video call in loungewear! Flexi hours and methods work just as well. And for all this, the workplace ecosystem needs restoration.
2. Working together
We need to work as a whole. An employee’s work identity is one part of their life experiences. Our lives continue beyond work. So, we must focus on holistic strategies and systems. Introduce practices that are both adjustable and comprehensive. We have seen some good examples of this during the pandemic. Organisations appreciated the stress experienced by employees and acknowledged their lives beyond work.
3. Well-being
Our role in this new normal is to build safer spaces for one another. Our mutual well-being is crucial, and we must strive toward collective betterment. We must prioritise bringing our whole selves to work without fear of judgment. We must continue accommodating the health and well-being of all. The practice gained prominence during the pandemic.
4. Unbiased experiences
We all are responsible for creating equal opportunities and experiences in the workplace. While technology provides vital access, leaders need to go beyond. True equality comes when our environment generates the same results for different individuals. It must be irrespective of levels, backgrounds, biases, and social status. We must win together.
5. Eye for detail
We may have access to information but lack the vision of valuing impalpable assets. We treasure what we measure. Some areas to rethink may be recognizing talent, appreciating skills, and acknowledging intellect.
A way forward could be creating multidimensional teams and reconsidering abilities.
There are many disadvantages of being indoors. But the fluidity of WFH gave us extra time and flexibility. We scheduled activities that foster health and happiness. Missing out on personal interactions and peppy offsites was definitely a downside.
A blend of work and play creates happy people and happier workplaces. After all, studies say cheerful people are more productive!
When done right, adaptability creates positive results in every environment.
Images are sourced from Google and are subject to copyright.
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