How COVID-19 changed the working enviroment
When looking back, we also see the change of working environment after the pandemic appeared. Most things like workplace, corporate culture, organization, or team activities are different from 2 years ago. There is no denying, these changes affect both positively and negatively.
However, in my experience, it has changed for the better.
The first is workplace expansion.
During the pandemic, employees have worked from home instead of going to an office. So, any space in the house like a bedroom or kitchen can become a place to work. It is the premise so that the companies towards hybrid working environments in the future, where teams can work remotely and in the office.
The second is the improvement in the relationship between manager and staff.
Leaders are switching their focus from office culture to a more supportive culture, with a new focus on how to improve the lives of employees while still getting the best from them.
One example of this is how Hisense Mexico embraced home working and supporting its team. Their top priority has been to keep team members at home and safe, while also holding them motivated, engaged, and informed. Hisense encouraged open communication by holding regular virtual meetings, sending newsletters, and even throwing virtual birthday parties.
Thirdly, the increase in employee freedom.
Employees are allowed a degree of autonomy to get on with their work and have more time to concentrate on their workload. They feel more comfortable because the working relationship isn't as closely monitored.
Nevertheless, COVID-19 also has some negative impacts on the working environment.
Firstly, the communication between employees was restricted.
While people meet other coworkers, they can not only expand their relationships but also become more sociable. Conversely, working at home may isolate people from society the decline of social skills, especially teamwork. At work, they can enhance their resources through connecting with other staff as teams or groups. Wheares, they have to resolve difficulties alone at home.
Secondly, working methods became more unprofessional.
The rise of Zoom meetings and remote working has given us an insight into team member’s private spaces. Every video call and virtual meeting makes the personal lives of colleagues, managers, and clients visible. We can see children or pets on-screen, interrupting meetings and phone calls regularly. It might seem like a distraction to the working day.
To summarize, I would like you to take a look at the main point again. Our working environment has changed so much because of COVID-19. We should notice not only negative changes but also positive ones.
