Another week, another webinar, and this time we attended the online Worktech Q2 Workplace Trends events, that specifically focused on Covid-19, and how much the world of work has changed in just three small, but life changing months.
So, what are the implications and emerging trends for the workplace post the pandemic? And how will it affect us long term? We have summarised the webinar into the following four categories:
People
Enforced working from home has left employees in varying circumstances when it comes to their work environment. For some, it has involved using their kitchen table as a work desk and other people have had the luxury of working from a dedicated office space within their own home. Whatever the circumstances, we have all had to adapt as a result of recent events and will need to continue adapting going forward. The trends webinar stated that almost one quarter of adults in the UK have experienced loneliness because of the pandemic, according to a survey of more than 2,000 people by the Mental Health Foundation. The most affected group were millennials aged between 25-34 the report found. This has highlighted the need for employers to help their staff who continue to work from home to feel connected to their peers and company, to help combat pandemic induced loneliness and isolation.
Technology
The Covid-19 pandemic has pushed technology to the forefront of many company strategies.
With remote working forced on us during lock down, many individuals and organisations have the capacity to work virtually much more than they realised. This has stimulated adaptation and innovation in processes and technology that companies may not have thought themselves capable of. A survey carried out by Ernest and Young found that 71 per cent of ‘C-Suite’ executives were planning to prioritise new technological investments in the workplace. Although software and ‘cloud services’ are a priority when it comes to adopting new technological strategies, companies are also investing in hardware to support traditional office working practises with those who are still working remotely. The most obvious technological advancement in organisations is the daily use of video conferencing and virtual collaboration. This big shift in the way we conduct meetings is definitely something that is set to stay.
Culture
Remote working has seen a shift in company culture. Employees and employers are now working on a basis of trust and flexibility. Social and cultural norms have shifted overnight. Organisations and employees need to re-learn how to interact with one another in a safe and responsible manner. A report by Aecom has identified short-term and long-term adjustments in behaviour.
Short term
- Establish a culture of cleanliness
- Identify protocols and offer PPE
- Develop a system of personal monitoring i.e. temperature checks
- Engage with employees to make sure they feel safe and a part of the decision-making process
Long term
- Educate employees to ensure everyone is working towards a collective solution
- Empower employees to be a part of the changes to building design, layout, and company culture
- Continuous engagement and improvement around technological practises as the ‘current situation’ change
Design
Is this the end of the high-density open plan office? According to the report companies are set to be focusing on choice, adaptability and the great outdoors when it comes to future workplace layout.
Key design features you can expect in a post Covid-19 office are as follows:
- Keyless and touchless systems so that fewer people touch the same area where possible
- Improved building ventilation through more windows and open spaces
- Low tech ways to create outdoor spaces inside such as introducing biophilia into your office furniture
- A re-design of reception spaces to include separate areas for sanitising stations and screening
- Room dividers and screens to be re-introduced to the office to aid social distancing
Find out how are smart locker solutions can help your workplace to adapt to the changing office trends post Covid-19 or, speak with a member of our team.
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