Covid-19 has changed the way we work

The world of work has changed

We all know that the last 16 months have been beyond unusual times and Covid has probably changed the way we work for ever.

Remote working has become the norm for most office people. Based on numerous conversations I have had in recent months, it seems organisations are preparing to return to the office, but most likely it will on a hybrid basis for a long time – if not for ever.

From a professional employees perspective the shift has been massive, as people now have a new expectations about the amount of  flexibility and home working on offer that will be difficult to undo.

The world of work is now far more familiar with video comms and it has changed the way people communicate forever.  That said, the digital world is still no substitute for face-to-face meetings. The “water cooler moments” and beers after work all contribute to creating corporate cultures and a sense of belonging which are also important socially and psychologically.

There are massive implications for both sides and which we could discuss endlessly.  Downsizing offices, less people and traffic in city centres, a shift from 9-5, the impact on future salaries –  i.e. if people get a higher salary as they are notionally based in a major city centre that has attracted a premium – will that premium remain if the person never has to a go into the office?  The lists goes on.

We know the world of work has changed, especially for office based people but the truth is, as we come out of the various lock-downs and Covid-19 restrictions, we don’t quite yet know just how much. It will be very interesting to see how it plays out over the next couple of years.

If you feel your current role may not offer the flexibility you need going forward please give me a call and I can talk you through the range of flexible working options we are now seeing.