When Does a Change Become the New Normal?

It has been almost a year since the onset of the quarantine routine, and while many of us have adapted to spending more time with family or mastering the art of sourdough baking, a significant number of working professionals, particularly those in desk jobs, have transitioned to working from home. Initially seen as a short-term solution, some companies are now realizing that remote work offers economic benefits, especially in certain industries. With ongoing vaccination efforts and the hope of returning to normalcy in the coming year, the question remains – will remote work continue to be the norm? And if so, what implications will it have on your professional life?

Some traditional companies view remote work as a temporary deviation and are keen on swiftly returning to in-office operations. Conversely, newer companies, particularly in the tech sector, are exploring the idea of adopting a fully remote working model to cut costs related to physical office spaces. If you have been working from home for an extended period, you might have grown accustomed to it, perhaps without fully committing to setting up a dedicated home office due to the anticipation of a return to the office.

In the scenario where remote work becomes a permanent arrangement, there are a few considerations to ponder. Firstly, reflect on your comfort level with working entirely remotely. If you prefer a hybrid setup or crave the in-office environment, communicate your preferences to your employer. However, if remote work suits you, ensure you establish a designated workspace at home if you have not done so already. It is essential to communicate to your family members the importance of minimizing distractions during your work hours, especially if kids are around, although the hope is that they will eventually attend school in person again.

The period of quarantine has sparked a realization among employees that certain traditional job norms can be reevaluated. In the post-pandemic era, don’t be surprised if many individuals choose to maintain a casual work-from-home attire instead of formal office wear.