Work from home policies : What the new normal looks like?

In the wake of Corona, oh wait, my 3 year old daughter just got up from her nap. BRB

Yes, so I was saying, since the world hit a snooze button, oh damn just realized it’s time for my Zoom call. BRB

Phew, finally, so I was saying, umm you know what let’s schedule this task at a later date.

All scenarios above hit home right? With all the uncertainty around the novel coronavirus, one thing is certain, we are all in the same boat, fellas!

As a measure to combat COVID-19 many countries opted to go on a national lockdown, which meant that many of us had to start working from home and adapt overnight. Some of us enjoyed it, some relented it, but most of us had no other option available, in fact some of us can be grateful that we still have our jobs, to say the least.

Only god and science knows, when we will be able to crib about work whilst sitting on our work desks again, you can’t deny, you miss going to the office right!

Well, sorry to burst your bubble, but it doesn’t seem like we are going back to the ‘normal’ anytime soon, in fact everyone has already started talking about the ‘new normal’.

So what does the ‘new normal’ look like? It is difficult to get a clear picture as of now however the picture is getting clearer as we begin to make more sense of this pandemic.

In a recent announcement made by TCS, moving ahead towards the new normal by claiming that nearly 75% of the workforce is likely to WFH by 2025. Other companies such as Nestle, Hindustan Unilever, RPG enterprises have also come forward embracing the ‘new normal’. The lockdown, according to TCS, has allowed them to accelerate that shift to roll out an operating environment called Secure Borderless Workspaces (SBWS).

Nonetheless, WFH policy framework is yet to be formalized and an essential framework needs to be kept in mind while devising a wholesome and inclusive policy for its employees.

Some points that need to be taken in consideration while forming WFH policies are :-

• How to combat social isolation for employees
• Keys ways to measure performance and accountability
• Communication policies
• Lines between personal and professional have blurred, so discipline is a very important factor to account for
• Cybersecurity needs to be strengthened

From the employees to the employers, there is a silver lining for everyone involved. Employees can save time by not commuting, and spend less on resources for everyday commutes which would organically lead to increased levels of productivity. Companies on the other hand may save costs on infrastructure and other employee related costs. Not to mention, the new normal would be more eco-friendly as less everyday commuting would reduce carbon emissions and its direct impact on the environment.

The 21st century was witness to the Technological Revolution; perhaps it is time that we make best use of the technological advancements specially in such adverse times. As they say, the show must go on, perhaps technologies such as Zoom and others are best suited at this point and beyond.

Originally written for Ethika Insurance company