With numerous vaccines now being deployed, it finally seems that there is an end to the COVID-19 pandemic at some point in the future. While we still have some ways to go, it would be helpful to look ahead and plan for how we can implement some of the lessons this period has taught us—especially in the workplace.

Our Status

With over 25 million doses of vaccine administered around the world (as of this writing), it seems to be an appropriate time to look ahead to what the average work environment will likely look like once the virus has lost its teeth and we can safely return to some semblance of normalcy.

It would be dishonest to say that work and employment remained unaffected by the pandemic, especially considering how many industries had to shut down or greatly restrict their operations to help preserve the health of the public. Of course, other industries simultaneously became more important than they ever were before, their workers being given the title “essential.” These shifts ultimately resulted in a dip in the employment rate that, as compared to the economic recessions we’ve had in the past, was three times as severe.

Today’s technology has since enabled quite a few of these jobs to be replaced by automated alternatives or picked back up via remote solutions. These remote capabilities and their ongoing improvements are responsible for sustaining many businesses, as well as encouraging people to apply to start their own, online businesses for themselves.

Of course, most people hope that things will at some point return to what was once known as normal. It must be said, though, that to simply drop all the advancements that businesses have since adopted to survive isn’t a good outcome, either. Considering this, we can make a few predictions as to how normal business operations may undergo a fundamental change with many.

What Will Become of Remote Work?

Putting it simply, we fully expect a greater utilization of remote work and operations, with the proportion of companies that put it to use rising. We see this as likely for a few reasons:

1. Those businesses that elected not to take advantage of remote capabilities will have largely closed, unable to maintain their operations enough to support themselves.
2. Increased demand for remote tools and technologies has led to more being developed.
3. More businesses will likely see remote work as a viable component of their business strategies and cost optimization.

It must be said, however, that all this will require some commitment to the technology, both in terms of practically implementing it and in inspiring a workforce to take advantage of it.

Adapting your workplace culture and processes to incorporate these new capabilities will help with training your team to utilize them more securely and more consistently. As a result, your business’ success becomes more likely.

With remote functionality a clear and essential need for today’s businesses, it would be irresponsible to carry on as though the past year had never happened. Automation Concepts & Technologies can help you avoid that by assisting you in adopting the right technologies and incorporating them into your processes. Find out how else we can assist you by calling (508) 622-5100.