The ongoing coronavirus crisis seems to be here to stay and the U.S. is still the country with the highest number of infections. Since India, Brazil, and Russia are in similarly poor situations, businesses around the world seem to face the same questions: how should they embrace the new normal, how to keep employees safe during the pandemic, and what will the future bring for their operations?
Many companies have already announced that they will move parts of their previously on-site workforce to permanently remote positions, but this does not make their plans for embracing the new normal perfect. With concerns about winter bringing a second wave and the total worldwide deaths figure drawing close to 1 million, the COVID-19 pandemic is bound to cause more disruptions in work conditions around the world. However, HR managers have learned a lot about this crisis in the last months, and this means that at least some mistakes can be now easily avoided while making plans for the future.
How to Embrace New Work Conditions
While many companies now accept the fact that both technology and society have developed to the point where remote work is a better alternative than ever before, some businesses are still dependent on their on-site employees. As the coronavirus pandemic changes the way we work and live, one solution seems to be to adapt to the new normal in our own ways. For HR managers, this means identifying the needs of both companies and employees during the crisis and finding the best way to satisfy both.
It seems easier said than done, but the truth is scientific research, as well as the examples of other companies, may serve as inspiration. While surveys show that working from home during the pandemic is challenging for many employees, hybrid remote work may be the better alternative. After all, 55% of Americans want a combination of home and office working because it solves some of the problems of full-time working from home. It may be easier for most employees to remain creative, inspired, and motivated if they spend at least some time at the office.
Saying Yes to New Technologies
Technology is one of the greatest assets for any company during the COVID-19 pandemic because it allows management and employees to adapt to various changes during times of crisis. While we do live in a digital age, most organizations still face tech challenges when it comes to adapting to the new normal. Many apps and devices are easily available for both companies and their employees, but adapting the way we work to new technologies does require some significant adjustments along the way.
In a new study titled “Transitioning Asia-Pacific to a New Normal of Work”, Microsoft argues that “there are issues that need to be dealt with from a technology perspective—collaboration by nature results in the sharing of information, and that can lead to greater data leakage risk. Organizations are scrambling to retrofit policies and processes in place to address this, but there are tech tools to help with that too.” The company went on to show that previously overlooked tools, at least on a personal level, such as Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) and back-ups have quickly become essential for most employees while working from home.
Seeing the Bigger Picture
Even though the COVID-19 pandemic is still the most important problem facing companies everywhere, HR managers should note that other issues should also be addressed at the same time. The growing need for diversity and workplace fairness is just one of those problems HR managers must deal with. While companies everywhere seem to embrace Black Lives Matter and other causes on social media, it’s important to note that the same ideas should become part of companies’ values in order to actually make a difference.
One of the studies presented above shows that more educated, higher-earning employees are far more likely to work from home, as well as to continue to earn money and advance their careers. This may expand inequality among workers, making the lower-earning employees even less likely to prosper during these difficult times. Empathy is more important than ever for HR managers everywhere, as they may need to assist employees lacking space, internet connections, or online skills.
Empathy, diversity, and inclusion are just some of the tools HR managers should use to make sure their companies will continue to grow and evolve even during the pandemic. Careful planning and the use of new technologies are also essential while adapting to the new normal.
