For better and for worse
The pandemic struck us all like a lightning bolt. Terms like ‘work from home’ or WFH jobs, have become a fundamental part of our colloquial language, and our homes are modified to be fit for remote work. We, not only, have a spot for our video calls online, and a better WiFi connection, but also, flexible working hours, and a life free from long commutes. We can now work in our comfortable pyjamas, cuddled up with our pets.
Why then, do we long to go back to a physical office space?
As cliché as it may sound, everything good comes with a price! Our homes are no longer a place of relaxation, and the line separating the personal from the professional has faded. Especially the sudden nagging of family members during an important video call. (Will we ever get used to that?!)
The working hours deemed to be ‘flexible’ are gradually eating into our recreational time,
and while the pyjamas may be comfortable, they make us lazy and lethargic. Video conferencing platforms have replaced lively discussions in the conference room. However
convenient that may be, it is juxtaposed by a myriad of internet issues ruining the flow of
conversation from time to time
Do you remember the corporate workshops and seminars with the free snacks? They totally
seem like a thing of the past! Those are now replaced by E-learning courses and E-training online workshops. On one hand, this is more effective as it can have a larger target audience and with an easy distribution of resources. But on the other hand, it eliminates the essence of face-to-face interactions and a real social connection. Something a lot of us seem to have forgotten about, recently!
To add on, even though we are physically comfortable in our beds all day long, our mental health has taken a prolonged backseat. The imposed isolation and lack of socialising is leading to increased stress levels, anxiety or even depression, in some cases. The technology might be on our side, but human connection sure isn’t!
The overflow of information, waves of negative news and increased fear mongering through
social media is a real sign of the downfalls of the internet generation. If it is any consolation
though, we have also seen a rise of people standing together and helping each other to
survive this dangerous loop.
A lot of medical resources are available to people for physical health assistance and mental health assistance, relating to Covid-19 and otherwise. All of this is because of the internet. It is truly a boon and a bane!
Now, for the question of paramount importance, what should you expect from life after
Covid-19?
Working online from home/WFH will be incorporated in our daily lives. Several companies,
especially start-ups will save on space and rent by eliminating conference rooms or offices in general. Productivity in the office will be measured based on your performance and outcome, and not the number of hours that you spend on your desk. (Finally!)
Similarly, E-learning courses will continue to be in use for the sake of efficiency, and
unlimited wireless internet services will improve since they proved to be essential in the past
year. The flexible working hours may also be continued by some. However, due to the acute
economic crisis faced by almost all sectors, job losses might continue and lead to increased competition for the existing positions. Seems like we are back to the era of the survival of the fittest, no?
All said and done, at the end of the day, we are social beings and no matter how much
we evolve, we find it difficult to cope in complete isolation. While the physical workplace has
its share of hassles, the organic social factor is greatly reminisced. Because the real essence of a job will always lie in the office’s questionable (but, much needed) coffee!
We now yearn to see the day where we can say, “See you on Monday”!