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The economic impact of the Covid-19 pandemic crisis can’t be underestimated and in many nations it has already led to job losses and businesses closing their doors for good.

But for those enterprises that somehow struggle on, could it eventually lead to changes in the world of employment which lead to a better work/life balance for employees, greater productivity and efficiency and increased collaboration and creativity?

It’s hard to say, but with a few tweaks, some aspects of working during lockdown might be adopted permanently and to most people’s benefit.

With that in mind, here are three ways we’ll work smarter post-pandemic.

1. Remote Working

While some employees and companies are missing office life, others are enjoying the advantage of ditching the dreaded commute, working in their own attractive homes instead of ecru cubicle farms and not having to spend time in the same physical space as people who they probably wouldn’t choose to interact with unless their contracts demanded it.

Multinational bank RBS is allowing staff to work from home until 2021 at least and this may fit conveniently with their existing plan to shut as many physical branches as possible, which might suit staff and save overheads, but leave some customers frustrated. One thing’s for sure though, in banking and many other industries, remote working is here to stay.

2. Collaborative Working

Organisations who do choose to return to work from physical premises might want to reconsider where they want to be based and why.

For instance, startups whose work isn’t primarily public facing might choose to do business in collaborative workspaces where they work alongside other innovative companies, can network easily and enjoy the freedom and flexibility of hot desking.

Harlow business hub Arise Innovation is one such workspace and since it’s operated by Anglia Ruskin University, members also have the advantage of being able to tap into a support network that includes academic experts. 

3. 4-Day Week

Another way that businesses can increase productivity and improve employee health and happiness is by implementing a 4-day working week.

The ideal model for the 4-day week is reducing the hours by the equivalent of one day’s work but keeping employee salaries at the same level, provided they can still deliver the same volume and quality of work that they would in the usual five days. This is made possible by working more efficiently and eliminating unnecessary meetings, admin and office politics. Within reason, staff can also choose whichever working pattern suits them best, whether it’s working five days with reduced hours or four days with a set day off each week.

New Zealand estate planning experts Perpetual Guardian adopted the 4-day week permanently after a successful trial and haven’t looked back, reporting greater productivity and job satisfaction – could your company be next?

These three ways to work smarter post-pandemic have already been adopted by a number of companies and, if applied properly, could reset our relationship with work forever.

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