Millions of Americans have gotten used to working at home in the kitchen, or at the dining table. The tradition of being either at work or at home has blurred into a continuum. They may have become more self-disciplined, but they have also grown accustomed to setting their own schedules. Returning to their regular work places after COVID – or the worst of it at least – is becoming more likely. CNN has been wondering what lies ahead.
Employers Also Had to Become Accustomed to Change
The kids may be enjoying finding us at home when they return from school. Although the words ‘be quiet, we’re working’ may have jarred at first. Employers also had to become more nimble by accepting flexible working hours, and investing in remote working equipment. That old tradition, the morning meeting is fading.
CNN’s Kathryn Vasel expects forward-thinking companies will accept a flexible approach. Some may decide to keep saving rent with remote structures after the pandemic. However, we understand others – including Reddit and Microsoft – will allow workers flexibility with a hybrid approach. The third group will return to pre-pandemic arrangements.
Give and Take While Returning to Work After COVID
There will be a few bumps along the road in the process, Kathryn Vasel warns. Reintroducing top down management will meet with resistance, although working fixed hours again does need more structure. Companies most likely to succeed will include those that walked the extra mile to keep their employees on board, despite their isolation.
Returning to regular work places after COVID could add an extra spin in companies adopting the hybrid approach. They will need to avoid us-and-them cultures developing, says Andrew Hewitt, senior analyst at market research firm Forrester. ‘Hybrid is going to make managing this difference harder.’ Hot desking may help bridge the divide.
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Preview Image: Working in a Virtual Team
