While lockdowns around the world seriously restricted our freedoms, there have been some positives that have resulted. Obviously, I don’t want to downplay the losses of life, livelihoods, businesses and whole industries, however.

Family members reconnected as they were together more and not racing around commuting to work, school and other activities. Everyone has a renewed appreciation for all we took for granted and what is really important, our families and friends; and our individual and collective health.

From a work prospective, the acceptance of telecommuting, also known as working from home, remote working, working flexibly etc; was turned on like a light switch. There has been much discussion and foretelling that this would be the future of work, but many companies and businesses did not readily take up the option.

The bull is out of the gate now and the game has changed forever. Some aspect of working from home is the new normal for a great many people. So what does this mean?

The new landscape of working from home has flow on effects for governments, businesses, families and individuals such as the following:

Individuals

• Choosing a job based on location is less important if you are able to work from home 2 or three days a week, or all the time.
• Parents with family responsibilities or some physically challenged people may be better able to work flexibly.
• Fewer interruptions have been known to equate to increased productivity.
• Being mindful of not working excessive hours is important though, as the lines between work and home can become blurred.
• Also, taking short breaks and a lunch ‘hour’ or a walk is important for ongoing health. The occasional busy period is one thing but ongoing overwork leads to burnout.
•  Ensuring you have an ergonomic home office set up is crucial.

Families

• With multiple family members working from home at times, everyone needs to be respectful of each other. Unfortunately, young children weren’t getting that message at times!
• Decreased commuting times and being at home together can bring family members together and allow more family time. {Or it can be more aggravating.}
• Housework and chores can be better integrated into a day to ease the load in the evening.
• Pets have been the major beneficiaries of lockdown. They love having you home!

Businesses

• Managing a team, work deadlines and projects are very different with some or all of your team working remotely.
• Team cohesion will be different to a certain extent too. There’s a need to be mindful of still celebrating milestones like birthdays. For example, you might get everyone together once a month to celebrate everyone with a birthday in that month. Scheduling some social activities to replace the “water cooler” interactions are important. Some workers have really missed being around other people.
• Smaller premises may be an option, leading to decreased costs.
• With greater trust and autonomy, workers may feel happier. It will be interesting to observe the results down the track.
• Zoom calls allow remote meeting to occur, but they are not the same. It is harder to have the smooth back and forth as in a face-to-face discussion with many people, but not impossible.
• Flexible hours can benefit employers a well as employees, with potentially extended hours possible.
• The way people work has changed, for example phone and video consultations with medical professionals have grown enormously. Many professions have had to adapt and change.

Governments

• Transport changed overnight during lockdown. There were next to no planes in the sky, fewer cars on the road and commuters on public transport, more bikes and people walking in parks. Some of these changes will be ongoing with more people working from home, perhaps more bike and walking tracks might be needed.
• Cities CBD’s could be affected too. The need for commercial real estate might decrease.
• Homes may become bigger as everyone desires more room.
• There have been reports of a mass exodus from cities to regional areas too.
• The need for fast and reliable internet is essential, with coverage extended to ever more remote areas.

This is only part of the picture; we have yet to fully appreciate the knock on effects of Covid on our future work and home life, as we are still to a certain extent still in the middle of it.

Important Note: These articles have been prepared for general circulation and are circulated for general informational purposes only; these articles should not be regarded as business or investment advice. The articles represent the views of the writers and are subject to change without notice. Additionally, while every care has been taken in the preparation of the articles no representation or warranty as to accuracy or completeness of any statement is given. An individual or organisation should, before any business or investment decision is made, consider the appropriateness of the information in this document, and seek professional advice, having regard to objectives, situation and needs. This document is solely for the use of the party to whom it is provided.