As we begin to see a ray of hope at the end of the pandemic’s tunnel, society considers what a world of normalcy may entail. The great question of the year in today’s business environment is which workplaces will stay virtual — and for how long.
Companies such as Twitch and Twitter have gone to the extreme, declaring that their employees would be able to work from home on a permanent basis. Many other businesses, particularly those in the banking industry, have taken the opposite stance, claiming that working from home is not the new norm.
Each company, culture, and work environment is distinct. Some businesses place a premium on cooperation or have specific client requirements, making a return to the office critical to their success. While no one-size-fits-all solution exists, it is apparent that workplaces, particularly those in the IT industry, are considering multiple work patterns as they prepare for the post-pandemic era.
Work Model 1: Virtually Engaged But Physically Remote
Let’s face it: Zoom worked as lifesaver during COVID-19 pandemic. By allowing employees to conduct meetings, pitch partners, and educate personnel remotely, the platform miraculously saved businesses.
Evercast, for example, is bringing the Zoom professional experience to the next level by allowing anyone to live stream, edit, and make movies. As a result, there is now a chance to make more diverse, higher-quality films on the front end while saving money on travel and other administrative costs on the back end.
Work Model 2: Virtually Engaged But Physically Present
While it may appear that being physically present for as many hours of the day as possible is the corporate crown jewel, this has been demonstrated to be a myth in many circumstances. Yes, workplaces may say that on-site laundry, day care, and gourmet chefs keep employees productive for longer periods of time, but what is the true benefit of such amenities? Do employees genuinely contribute or learn more as a result of their work?
Work Model 3: Hub-And-Spoke Present
Migration has increased since the advent of the new remote-work paradigm. South Carolina, Oregon, South Dakota, and Arizona were the top states for inbound movements in 2020, according to U.S. News & World Report, while New York, California, Connecticut, and Illinois were the top outbound-move states. Some of these changes will be long-term.
Work Model 4: Hybrid Present
There is the possibility of working part of the week in the office and the rest of the week remotely. This technique has the advantage of allowing teams to communicate in person for part of the week while simultaneously increasing productivity by minimizing commute time. The average commuting time in 2018 was 27 minutes one way. That’s approximately five hours of wasted time every week just in driving time. Not to mention the increased expenditures of gas, auto maintenance, and child care for staff.
The concept of part-time virtual participation can give employees with a new sense of balance, boosting their overall satisfaction and productivity. In exchange, workplaces can experience improved levels of profitability and retention. It works as a win-win alternative to the pre-COVID-19 daily commute-powered work environment.
