There’ve been some positive impacts for employees and employers since work from home kicked in, and we thought we’d share some of these highlights from HR California’s article on the subject:
- More confidence in using technology. This period of remote work has forced us outside of our comfort zone and to hone in on some skills. Conducting interviews on Zoom, facilitating online meetings, effectively communicating through emails, and adapting to new software are just a few of the new skills we’ve acquired.
- Skeptics now know work can be done remotely. Before COVID-19 many organizations were skeptical that remote work on a grand scale was possible. Now we know what works and what doesn’t, and we’ve seen many trendsetting organizations announce that remote work is their new norm. It’ll be interesting to see how work/life balance and flexible work schedules change over time.
- Employees are more empathetic. In the process of returning to work, employees are more ready to help coworkers out during the transition. Having gone through the stress and isolation of staying at home and all that comes with it, employees are more understanding of each others’ varying needs.
- The intertwining of personal and work life has changed for the better. Remote work provided more empowerment to employees with children. Children at work aren’t taboo anymore, and employees have experienced a more flexible schedule. Giving employees more responsibility to maintain the two helps decrease their stress as they have more control.
Of course, it’s not all gravy as working from home while the kids were around has been stressful. Being flexible has often meant working weird hours and into the night. And returning to work will be stressful as employees are concerned for their safety.
But hear this – we’ve all been pushed to grow personally and professionally, and through the ups and downs we’ve gained new skills and become adaptable to change.
You’ve made it this far, and you’re doing alright. Keep on keepin’ on. “Whatever makes you uncomfortable is your biggest opportunity for growth.” Bryant McGill
Catherine
PS. We have a webinar coming up on July 23rd, on the topics of implicit bias and allyship. Register if you want to learn more about your own biases, how to mitigate them, and how to use your awareness for good.
