Since The World Health Organization (WHO) declared coronavirus a pandemic on 11 March 2020, a lot of things changed in people’s lives. Many countries have been on lockdown several times, forcing people to work from home and only go outside when it is necessary. While working from home worked for some people, others have been missing the office spaces to interact with others and enjoy the daily commute.
Luckily, most countries have lifted their lockdowns, and people are slowly returning to the workplace. However, work-life after the pandemic is different from pre-pandemic work life due to the various coronavirus control measures put in place. Below are some of the changes you should expect in the new work-life after lockdown.
Less free time
Since avoiding overcrowded places is one way of preventing the spread of the virus, most countries will have an evening curfew to prevent people from going to entertainment spots like bars or evening parties. Less working hours could translate to employees having less free time at work as they will be required to complete their tasks within a shorter time. Less free time could also be introduced as a means to minimise socialisation at the workplace.
Being outside more
Some employers can also prefer the use of outside spaces if their offices are overcrowded. Experts say that the risk of catching coronavirus outside is lower than when in indoor spaces. Some offices have some open spaces where employees can comfortably work or use innovations like the readily available work tents. Also, to contain the spread of the virus, employers may encourage their staff to spend their free time outdoors.
More remote work
Though the return to the office space will be possible after the lockdown, working from home will still be a coronavirus spread control option for most employers, especially those with limited office space. Some employees who have been working from home will also be willing to continue after the restrictions are lifted.
Some companies are also coming up with hybrid systems where some employees can have an alternating program of working from home and reporting to work. Employees can only report to work when there are crucial meetings and work duties that require their physical presence and work from home for the other days. Employees can carry crucial supplies like envelopes whenever they visit the office.
Social distancing
Unlike before when you could sit closely with your workmate at your office’s tea room or café, more measures may be put in place to promote social distancing at the working station and during free time. People who love socialising at work may feel relieved when lockdown ends, but things will still be different because socialising will be minimal. Other activities like fun office events may also be cancelled to contain the spread of the virus.
Parting words
Work-life after the pandemic will no longer be the same as what people were used to before the pandemic. The measures put to control the virus will still have a huge impact on how people approach work and interact in the office. You should expect some of the above changes when you go back to your workplace.
