Undoubtedly the pandemic has affected the workplace. It’s caused job loss, job reduction, and a reduced job market for job seekers.
For those of us still lucky enough to be employed it’s changed how we work. The biggest change being that many of us are now working from home. We are also learning how to do our job in new ways.
So, what are the lessons to be learned from this forced changed? What are the benefits of it? The drawbacks?
Lessons Learned
I think that the first lesson that we all learned is that for many of us we can just as easily, or even more easily, complete our job responsibilities from home. Instead of in-person meetings, we are now meetings face to face over Microsoft Teams.
We’ve also learned that some people need the stronger workplace interaction that working onsite provides. Often extroverts, they find that working from home is too isolating. So, while many enjoy the distraction-free workplace, many are yearning for the hustle and bustle of being in the office.
The Benefits
I think many of us have found that the lack of commute is a huge benefit. It saves us gas, wear and tear on our car, and also time. When our work day is done, it is done and we are already home. It’s a luxury we will likely miss when/if we have to return to the office. In addition, many of us enjoy being able to more casually dress for work.
Drawbacks
As noted above, many miss the social aspect that the workplace provides. This has caused many to feel isolated, depressed, and anxious. “Walk-by” conversations obviously are no longer happening either, which can be a drawback both for colleagues and management. As a manager, I no longer can walk around and see what my employees are up to.
A future drawback may be coming… Many have already expressed a strong desire to not return to the workplace. They have worked from home for so long, now know that it “works,” and no longer see a reason to add in the inconveniences noted above back into their workday. It will be interesting to see if employers decide to let successful employees continue to work from home after that pandemic or if they call them back into the office. If they do, there is bound to be a bit of job dissatisfaction.
How has the Pandemic Affected Your Job?
Are you still working? If so, what changes have occurred because of the pandemic? Do you like these changes? Want them to be permanent or just temporary?
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Joseph Meyer
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04 November 2020
I realized I love working from home. I still talk to people all day through social media and some on the phone so I really don’t miss out on the social part. The biggest benefit for me is how much more I get done without constant distractions from other people. I’m really driven and focused on my own though so that really helps.
I’ve found that to be the case too Brooke! And the loss of a commute has been wonderful as well!
I have worked from home and had the same issues you describe above. I find it very efficient and productive at home.
I do as well – glad you are finding the same!
I’m a nurse, and we were assigned to another area when the outpatient department closed temporarily. It’s a bit nerve-wracking to work on unfamiliar grounds. I did learn a lot from that experience. But, I’d rather stay and work in my beloved outpatient surgery center.
Hopefully you will get to return sometime soon! Love that you’ve find a silver lining in it all
The pandemic has definitely changed so many things, especially when it comes to work. I recently lost my job because the company decided they would no longer be renting an office space. I have thankfully found a job since but it still makes me worry about what the future will hold.
So sorry to hear about your job loss – I’m glad you found a new one! Hopefully things will change soon.
I’m a SAHM normally, and my husband always works remotely anyway since his company is based in CA and we’re not. But what he misses about “pre-Covid times” is travelling for work. He is a very social person and liked being able to travel once a month or so and actually see the people he chats with on calls.
This is a very hard time for extroverts for sure!
I feel so sad for those that have lost jobs, not been able to work and have been made redundant through all of this. I feel incredibly lucky to be working, and to be able to stay safe and work from home. I miss the social side of the office though.
I completely agree with everything you noted; I feel incredibly lucky as well and sad for those that have been more affected by the pandemic
It’s crazy how this pandemic has changed the workplace! I worked in marketing for a travel company and we know how hard the travel industry was hit. I unfortunately was laid off in May because of it but for the month and a half I worked from home every day I loved it! I actually had work-life balance for the first time ever!
I love the work life balance of working from home too! I’m sorry to hear that you were laid off Kerry! 🙁
I agree. Apart from missing the social aspect of meeting and talking to my colleagues, I find working from home is more efficient. Because I can achieve my work target without too much distraction.
Me too Devy – love the lack of distractions!
Needful content. Keep creating content like this! Tons of love for you
Thank you Barshan!
Lisa, I liked the way you wrote about the pros and cons of working from home that simply. While I was going through all the comments, some people did experience, working from home, not that pleasant or useful. I am feeling sorry for those who got laid off during the pandemic. I liked the way the New Zealand Prime minister has handled the work dynamics practically. I think every workplace will adjust accordingly in the future. I am happy that you are among those who are enjoying work from home. Thanks, Lisa, for writing and sharing your thoughts with us. Stay healthy, happy, and safe!?
Thank you Sara – I hope you stay healthy, happy and safe as well.
Lovely post, agree with everything you’ve said. I think the lack of commute makes the biggest impact as it makes you have so much time in the day to do extra things.
Tash
Yes, I appreciate the lack of commute probably the most as well!