I had the luxury of a lovely office close to home a few months ago, and a boss who would encourage me to work from home whenever I wanted. As almost all of them were supposed to work from the same desk every day, my friends were envious. Then Covid-19 struck, and the tradition of show-up was officially gone. No one anywhere was supposed to turn up. Suddenly, businesses were forced to leave behind the traditional office buildings, and trust that both technology and their workers really operate remotely.
If I ask my friends if they want to go back to work from one office full time, five days a week, most people say no. They want to miss the compulsory commute, feel trusted by their employers, and have the flexibility to tailor their days to their personal requirements. But they also complain that, after a while, the home office is cramped, dull, and lonely.
Companies also found that both remote work and trusting workers are not only practical, but also more efficient in many instances. Employees remain competitive and productive, and they feel better, too. The need for the huge, costly and static office that they used to have is now being questioned by many.
So, if the general population does not go back to the workplace full time, but does not remain at home full time, what is the future of workspaces?
From fiscal, sustainability and health perspectives, Covid-19 taught us the significance of versatility and confidence. We will start sharing spaces in a new way as businesses dare to pursue solutions beyond the ‘one-size-fits-all’ office solution. Imagine that you could have access to inspiring new places tailored to various tasks and projects.
What is the future of jobs, with 62 percent of employed Americans working from home due to the COVID-19 pandemic? You’ve worked at home for the past few months, made countless Zoom calls, juggled home schooling, and sought to keep calm in the face of confusion. In the future, how will your work change? Until there is a Coronavirus vaccine, some changes will be temporary, while other changes will become permanent.
