Although the COVID-19 pandemic won’t last forever, staff meetings and socials may look different for the foreseeable future. Even as the vaccine is rolling out, it’s likely that many workplaces will continue to take precautions to protect employees from COVID-19 and other transmissible diseases. Whether your company has adapted to managing remote workers and plans to continue or make the transition back into the office, here are some new trends that you can expect to see:
Virtual Meetings Are Here to Stay
Whether you love or hate video conference calls, they will be a mainstay. Although it’s probably safe to say that the frequency of video calls will slowly decline as the virus wanes, don’t expect them to become a rarity. Even when you’re back in the office, video calls make it possible to safely social distance while allowing teams from every corner of the globe to converge for important discussions. Since video chat has become such a crucial feature of our time, expect improvements in the software to continue.
Smaller In-Person Meetings
Packed conference rooms are largely expected to be a thing of the past. When in-person meetings are necessary, they’ll probably be much smaller and held in a room where there’s plenty of space to socially distance. When larger meetings are necessary, some companies may seek creative solutions such as outdoor meeting areas.
Socialization May Be Remote or Outdoors
Whether companies are operating in a remote or in-person setting, socialization between staff is an important component in building strong teams. Many workplaces have found that virtual team building is an effective strategy for helping the team bond, and this technique may stick around in the future. For companies moving back to a traditional, in-person setting, staff parties and socialization opportunities may move outside. If people can keep their distance while socializing with others in an open area, it may help reduce the spread of viruses.
The COVID-19 pandemic has brought about significant changes in the workplace. Many offices have been closed since March and have come to prefer managing remote workers. Others have already transitioned back into the office and have implemented new policies to help keep employees safe. Still, others are planning a hybrid approach, in which employees work from home part-time and go to the office on a staggered schedule. Regardless of how your workplace is adapting, it’s worth keeping in mind that some changes to company culture may be here for the long haul. When you’re in need of essential office supplies, personal protective equipment, technology solutions, or beyond, we’re here to help. Contact us today to learn more about our products and services.
