It’s almost as though overnight, we were thrown into a work world dependent on remote competence and virtual meetings. This environment met us with a bit of isolation and a ton of Zoom background choices. Those used to navigating office buildings, subway lines, or in-person presentations became reliant on a telecommuting environment.
In this new normal, many things about the actual process of working and execution of it changed. For example, stability within industries started to take shape, and communication strategies got a facelift.
Here are 4 things we can expect to stick around long-term.
Reliance on Video Conferencing
If your world wasn’t dependent on technology enough before Covid, it is now. Zoom meetings became a consistent part of the work culture. It wasn’t just large group meetings that video took the lead on either, as 81% of workers also used the technology to keep in touch with colleagues, and 59% of them said they use these types of services often. Instant messaging apps like Slack or Microsoft Teams also worked into the mix of overall technology, but video was the consistent tool companies leaned on and is here to stay.
Importance of Showing Appreciation
When you physically can’t drop by someone’s office or workstation to share your appreciation for what they’re doing, it’s hard to remember they still need this validation. It’s your job as a colleague or manager to put in the effort to recognize them when necessary. Showing appreciation boosts individual and team morale, especially when people are going through a crisis or unforgiving circumstances. And don’t just celebrate individuals individually. Whether in-person or virtual, get a group together and celebrate multiple wins or accomplishments at once. Showing gratitude provides benefits well beyond work. It can increase a person’s wellness, promote better sleep habits, increase metabolism, and lessen stress. This gives an employee’s performance a boost in-house and outside.
E-Commerce Boom
The labor market was drastically disrupted thanks to Covid-19, with many experiencing layoffs, furloughs, closures, and industry losses. Thanks to quarantines and lockdowns, the term essential worker garnered a whole new meaning as people shifted to e-commerce for their needs. Shopping online became the norm with everything from groceries to retail to anything you could find on Amazon. Online sales went up 32.4% from 2019 to 2020, and people got comfortable with the convenience too. Regardless of the industry, a paradigm shift happened that drove the need for consumers to want and seek out online opportunities for actual products or services.
Being Proactive vs. Reactive
If your organization didn’t have an emergency preparedness plan before the pandemic, it is a must now. It doesn’t necessarily mean to plan for another pandemic, but it does mean to have a certain blueprint in place to respond accordingly when an emergency hits. Think about how being proactive as opposed to reactive will impact your business. Look at the long-term goals you have and structure a plan that identifies the potential risks that could upend it.
The pandemic changed everything on multiple levels and taught us all what the future of business looks like and what we need to do to experience continued success.
How has the pandemic changed your organization? Join the conversation on LinkedIn and check out The Good and The Bad of Rehiring Former Employees.
