7 Ways Covid Changed How We Work
THE NEW NORMAL OF WORK
The world of work was rapidly changing even before the COVID-19 pandemic hit. From remote work and flexibility to automation and the gig economy, the way we work was evolving at a faster pace than ever before. But with the pandemic, these changes have been accelerated, transforming the way we work forever. Are you ready for the new normal of work?
Before the COVID-19 pandemic, work had been shifting in several ways:
Remote work:
Remote work had been increasing in popularity before the pandemic, as advances in technology made it easier for people to work from anywhere. Many companies had already adopted remote work policies, and more were starting to experiment with it.
Flexibility:
Companies were starting to offer more flexible working arrangements, such as flexible hours and the option to work from home, to attract and retain top talent.
Emphasis on work-life balance:
Companies were starting to place more emphasis on work-life balance, recognizing that employees who are able to achieve a balance between their work and personal lives are more likely to be productive and engaged.
The gig economy:
The gig economy was growing before the pandemic, as more people were choosing to work freelance or as independent contractors, in order to have more flexibility and control over their working arrangements.
Automation and artificial intelligence:
Companies were starting to automate more tasks and make greater use of artificial intelligence, in order to increase efficiency and reduce costs.
The importance of soft skills:
Companies were starting to place more emphasis on soft skills, such as communication, collaboration, and emotional intelligence, in order to build more effective teams and foster a positive work culture.
The shift towards the service sector:
The economy was shifting towards service sector, with more jobs in areas such as healthcare, education, and technology.
The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated many of these trends, as companies were forced to adopt remote work and other forms of flexibility in order to keep their employees safe and to continue operating.