Beyond COVID: A message of hope for the next normal

It would be fair to say that 2020 has been a bizarre time, with the bushfires and hazardous smoke to start the year off, followed by a worldwide pandemic due to COVID-19. Workplaces have been turned upside down, many people have had to adjust to working from home, some have had to adjust with transferring to different jobs, and some have had to adjust to a reduction of hours or losing their jobs altogether. With the mental health issues accompanying these events, there is some hope for what the next normal will entail.

In our most recent report on how COVID has changed workplaces, leaders expressed a message of hope for how workplaces can move into a post-COVID world that will become the ‘next normal’.

A more flexible and innovative workplace

One key aspect that leaders would like to embrace is a more flexible and innovative workplace, rather than returning to the same workplace that existed pre COVID-19. =

“We are not going back”

“BAU is a wasted opportunity”

This includes providing flexible working arrangements for staff, embracing remote working as the norm, continuing to trust teams and people and focus on output instead of time-based management style. Office spaces may be smaller which can bring cost savings on leases, utilities, and travel and more.

Stronger climate action and awareness

Leaders also stated their hope for stronger climate awareness and action, hoping that scientists would be listened to more regarding environmental impacts and the need for climate action. COVID-19 has shown that humans can have a significant and immediate positive impact on the environment through our choices and that a change in choices and lifestyle will not bankrupt the economy.

Although COVID-19 has disrupted the world, it has unlocked possibilities for a different future in the workplace. And with this comes the silver lining and hope for a brighter ‘next normal’.

Have you seen any other changes that you think will stay in place post-COVID? Let us know!

If you want to talk about how to keep employees engaged and well during this time, get in touch with one of our experts.

You can download the full report here: https://www.pentaquest.io/covid-govreport