How Will "The Future of Work" Shape the Post-Pandemic Workplace?

Pandemic or not, the workplace is evolving — and major health scares like COVID-19 are likely to only accelerate these changes.

We've been slowly shifting to remote work for years now, but the pandemic has forced organizations to re-evaluate their workplace strategies and make tough decisions. Many have realized they can be just as productive — if not more so — with a hybrid or remote workforce.

So, what does the post-pandemic workplace look like?

The Continued Rise of the Hybrid Workplace

Post-pandemic, most workplaces will be a hybrid of remote and onsite work — with 74% of companies in the United States already using or planning to implement this model.

This trend is expected to continue, as it gives employees the flexibility to work from home some days and come into the office on others. This setup also allows organizations to save on office space and reduce their carbon footprint.

There will be an increased focus on health and well-being in the workplace, with organizations providing more support for employees to maintain a healthy lifestyle through flexible working hours, on-site gyms, or mental health support.

Technology will play a significant role in the post-pandemic workplace. With more employees working remotely, there will be a need for better communication and collaboration tools — like Stormboard, an online brainstorming and collaboration tool that helps distributed teams work together effectively.

In summary, flexibility, health, and technology will define the post-pandemic workplace. Organizations that embrace these changes will be better positioned to thrive in the new normal.

The End of the 9-to-5 Workday

With a significantly greater number of employees working remotely, we will need to be more flexible about when and where work gets done. Employees should feel free to design their schedules in a way that works for them, as long as they finish their work.

Thinking about work needs to shift along with the change in workplace dynamics. Instead of focusing on face time, organizations must focus on results. Managers will need to trust their employees and give them the freedom to find what works best for them.

Myriad benefits come along with this new way of working — for both employees and employers. Employees will have greater control over their time, leading to an improved work-life balance. And employers can attract and retain talent more easily and save on office costs.

That said, there are also challenges that need to be addressed for this shift to truly be successful. Organizations will need to provide clear guidelines and expectations from the outset; employee productivity may go down if there is too much flexibility allowed; team leaders will need training for managing remote teams.

With the 9-to-5 workday being a thing of the past, the right tools are essential for making remote work easier. Stormboard helps organizations to work asynchronously, streamline project and task management, and expedite decision-making — all crucial for post-pandemic success.

Flexible work is the future of work. With the right tools and mindset in place, it can be successful for both employees and employers alike.

Greater Focus on Employee Well-Being

In addition, the pandemic has put employee well-being at the forefront of many organizations' minds.

There are several reasons for this shift in focus. First, happy and healthy employees are more productive. Second, the pandemic has made us realize how fragile our health is. And third, employers are beginning to see the benefits of investing in employee well-being initiatives.

There are many ways that organizations can support employee well-being. One popular initiative will be flexible work setups, allowing employees to balance their work and personal lives better.

Another way employers can support employee well-being is through on-site gyms or subsidized gym memberships. With more people working remotely, there is a need for gyms that are closer to home. On-site gyms provide employees with a convenient and affordable way to stay healthy, and providing a health dividend can encourage remote employees to stay active as well.

Most of this boils down to mental health; a crucial area we'll need to focus on in the post-pandemic workplace. Employee assistance programs can help employees cope with stress and anxiety. Employers can also provide resources for employees to find mental health support outside work.

Sure, perks like flexible working hours, on-site amenities, and mental health support are great for attracting and retaining talent. But that's just the beginning.

Organizations must create a culture of well-being. This should be evident in everything from the way work is structured to how employees are treated. It should be a priority for senior leaders and embedded in the organization's values.

Employee well-being is good for business — plain and simple. Healthy employees are more productive, have lower absenteeism rates, and are less likely to leave the company. Investing in employee well-being is a win-win for both employees and employers.

Technology and the Future of Work

Let's be honest: technology has always been a big part of the workplace. But it's going to play an even bigger role in a post-pandemic world.

The pandemic has forced organizations to find new ways of communication and collaboration since more employees are working remotely. And the right tool can make all the difference.

Stormboard is a digital workspace that helps teams brainstorm, collaborate, and get work done. Its flexibility and short learning curve enable teams worldwide to start collaborating more effectively without risking tool fatigue.

But Stormboard isn't just a tool for these unprecedented times — it can help organizations stay agile in the face of change. With Stormboard, teams can quickly adapt and pivot when necessary.

This platform also enables better communication and decision-making within organizations. With Stormboard, all stakeholders can provide input and contribute to the discussion. So everyone is on the same page, and decisions are made based on complete data and collective wisdom.

The pandemic has also driven the adoption of other technologies, such as video conferencing and chat tools. And while these might have been seen as temporary fixes, they're here to stay in a post-pandemic world. They help organizations stay connected and facilitate collaboration between remote teams — which is more important than ever.

Thriving in a Hybrid Setup

Hybrid office models will be critical for organizations to thrive post-pandemic. By leveraging the best of both in-person and remote work, organizations can create a more agile, efficient, and effective workplace. Here are 5 tips for organizations to make the most of a hybrid model:

Define what work needs to be done in person and what can be done remotely. Not all work can or should be done remotely. Identify which tasks need to be completed in person to be most effective.
Create a dedicated workspace for each type of work. Whether it’s a quiet room for focused work or a collaborative space for team projects, make sure there is dedicated space for every job that needs to be done.
Encourage and facilitate communication and collaboration. In a hybrid model, communication is vital. Make sure everyone knows how to reach out and collaborate effectively, whether through video conferencing, instant messaging, or another tool.
Promote a culture of flexibility and trust. Be clear about expectations and give employees the autonomy to work in a way that works best for them. Employees should feel comfortable working from home when needed and be trusted to get their work done effectively.
Support employees with the right technology. Employees need the right technology tools to be effective in a hybrid office model. This includes everything from laptops and smartphones to software solutions like Stormboard.

Stormboard: The Hybrid Workplace Solution

Hybrid working is the new normal — and with more organizations embracing remote work, it’s crucial to have a solution that facilitates collaboration between employees in different locations. That’s where Stormboard comes in.

Stormboard is a cloud-based platform that helps organizations be more agile and make better decisions. With Stormboard, teams can collaborate remotely in real-time, no matter where they are located — which makes it easy to stay flexible when things change.

And because adding or removing team members from a project is easy, everyone’s voices can be heard — ensuring better decision-making for the organization as a whole.

So if you’re looking for a solution to help your organization thrive in the hybrid workplace, look no further than Stormboard.

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About the author:

A programmer by trade, Nick Saraev is a freelance writer and entrepreneur with a penchant for helping people excel in their careers. He's been featured on Popular Mechanics & Apple News, and has founded several successful companies in e-commerce, marketing, and artificial intelligence. When he's not working on his latest project, you can find him hiking or painting.