Which trends will stay?
1. Working from home more often
Over the past few weeks, we have gone through the largest digital training exercise ever. Society needed this experience to build trust in giving employees greater independence. We can now say with confidence that micromanagement is becoming outdated and home working will continue to increase. This could also help address growing traffic congestion.
2. More attention to hygiene
Businesses will pay more attention to hygiene in the post-coronavirus era. Hand sanitiser will remain a familiar sight, while shared keyboards may disappear. It is not yet clear whether the handshake will survive, but some are already calling for an end to this long-standing Western tradition.
3. Social distancing
The traditional open-plan office was already on its way out. Colleagues will need more space to work at a sufficient distance from one another. Going to work while ill will no longer be seen as heroic, but as irresponsible and inconsiderate.
“The secret of change is to focus all your energy not on fighting the old, but on building the new.”
4. Flexible hours
No longer simply nine to five: widespread home working in recent weeks has loosened traditional office hours, with people planning their own days. We have become more flexible about when we work and gained greater control over our time. This change could benefit mental wellbeing and reduce burnout.
5. Contactless payments
Cash will be used less and less and may even disappear sooner than expected after the pandemic. Employers and businesses will increasingly encourage contactless payments because they are also safer for their staff.
