Back to Work: How COVID-19 has Reimagined the Workplace

For the past six months, COVID-19 has drastically upended the lives of millions in a multitude of ways. While many people and industries are still in the process of recovering, some have been finding ways to adapt to the new reality. It might feel like an impossible situation as some are calling for the country to open again, while others still feel it is too early. Since more places are slowly reopening, for those who are returning to work it is important to stay flexible with the ever-evolving regulations and to be willing to change any habits if necessary. As society moves forward, here are some ways COVID-19 has been shaping the workforce, and what you can expect in either continuing your work at home or finally returning to work in person.

Unexpected Upsides to Working From Home

It’s no secret that many jobs and companies have been completely transformed by the decision to transition to remote and online work by their employees at home. For many, this working situation has been their reality for most of the pandemic and is likely to continue as some companies have announced that their employees can keep working from home long-term or permanently. Though working from home might cause people to miss the social interaction or have an awkward adjustment, it is also a situation that provides distinct benefits that many are starting to enjoy as their place and style of work has changed. For instance, it allows for a more flexible schedule for those who have more responsibilities at home, and it also allows for better managing and use of daily time as commutes have become nonexistent.

The Technology Boom

Technology has played a crucial role during the pandemic, especially in education and the workforce. Virtual meeting platforms such as Zoom allow companies to easily give information to their distant employees and even reach out to clients by providing a level of interaction that would not be possible in person. Following this success and desire of people to keep working from home, expect this use of technology to continue and grow as an integral part of office work, even some companies transition back to in-person work.

Staying Focused and Productive

Contrary to what some might believe, many remote workers have proven to remain productive while working at home. This may be due to certain habits and practices that these employees now indulge in, such as taking longer breaks, and working in a more comfortable environment. However, not every employee thrives in these circumstances, and it’s possible that these benefits may not be evident in the long term, especially after being isolated from others. As time goes on, companies may have to resort to new methods to keep their employees motivated.

The Worry of Working In-Person

While some may feel relieved and even excited to come back to work, or catch up with their coworkers in person, others feel the still-present risk of contracting COVID-19, especially if they have little choice to come back to work. Additionally, many find the idea of returning to the office unappealing, as working from home provides not only a guarantee of safety, but also a certain level of comfort in addition to new flexibility in working schedule. Through all of this, offices and businesses that have had their employees working from home will have to consider the cost and efficiency of work as they debate keeping most or all of their positions remote.

New COVID Regulations

Though interacting with people is going to be inevitable in person, the CDC has provided an extensive list of hygiene and safety regulations that offices can implement in order to slow or avoid the spread of COVID. Many are now-standard practices and tips for nearly any place you might find yourself, such as wearing a mask indoors and seeing a doctor if you are having any symptoms. Other new protocols include staggered shifts and breaks, rearranging of office spaces, and enhanced cleaning and sanitation procedures. When followed correctly, these guidelines hope to create a safe and comfortable atmosphere for working as businesses and employees continue to use caution in any situation.

Calling for New Change

As we continue to take action to combat COVID-19, there are still many unknowns for the future of in-person work. There might already be some positive changes in regard to making physical and even mental health a priority when coming in to work, as employees can easily be sent home now for symptoms or coming into contact with a COVID infected person. Additionally, as workers explore their rights in keeping themselves safe as an employee, new voices are calling for even more change in how businesses are required to deal with these new situations.

Get Prepared with Life Insurance

Whether you have been working from home, or haven’t been able to work at all for months, the risks and challenges of going back to work can bring on plenty of new stress. For those who work to provide for their family, life insurance can help take away some of that worry by providing a secure financial future to your loved ones. With the health crisis of COVID-19 still looming over our heads, it’s important to weigh the risks and prepare for the worst. With this in mind, consider how life insurance can benefit you and your family and get an instant quote today. At LifeQuote, we offer a variety of term and permanent life insurance policies depending on your specific needs and eligibility. Additionally, if you do not want to potentially put yourself at risk for COVID, we also offer policies that do not require an in person medical exam, in which a health questionnaire will instead be completed from the comfort of your home. Whatever your situation, we will guide you to finding the right life insurance policy for you so you can feel more confident about returning to work and prioritizing you and your family’s safety in these trying times.