Work from home is changing work culture | Styl Blog

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Last Updated on April 12, 2022 by

The global pandemic has completely transformed our lives. Businesses have been highly impacted due to global lockdown. The social distancing regulations to curb the transmission of COVID-19 forced millions of employees to work remotely. Companies asked their employees to work virtually as a measure against the rapidly-spreading disease.

From CEOs to managers to customer service, companies and workers adapted to work from home because of necessity. Many were assuming that it would just be a temporary measure and would last only a few days. However, even after five months, companies continue to follow the ‘work from home’ culture. 

After lifting COVID-19 restrictions, some companies have started to operate on an alternative basis. However, major companies remain remote because of the coronavirus pandemic. Google has even allowed continuing work from home until July 2021. It is a huge step to extend the remote-work until next year. 

The traditional office landscape is changing

The work-from-home culture has changed the traditional office landscape. Employees are no more travelling to offices. Video conferencing apps like Zoom, Teams, Google Meet are definitely having a moment during the pandemic. Companies and managers are conducting video conferences to replace the meetings to discuss and coordinate with their employees. Earlier also, a few employees used to work from home. However, continually working remotely has been a challenge for both employees and leaders. 

The unrestricted work environment

The transition from in-office to full-time remote working has put a lot of restrictions. Work from home gives employees flexibility. However, it also puts a lot of limitations. Finding the right work-life balance and managing remote employees stands to be a threat to the organizations. If you’re someone who is in a leadership role, it is even more important for you to adopt the right technologies and foster a culture that supports remote working. For example, some organizations are providing a day off and celebrating virtually on Zoom calls. This give-and-take relationship is even more important, especially when it is remote working. 

Work from home boosts or hurts productivity?

There are also a lot of debates on how work from culture negatively impacts productivity. However, breaking all these myths, employees have shown a huge productivity level even while working from home. The $300 million deal between Whitehat Jr and Byju started with a WhatsApp message. Various creative advertisements have been shot during the lockdown period. 

Productivity can definitely suffer when there is a lack of team spirit or coordination. However, the office is not the only way to boost the productivity of the employees. As a CEO or a leader, you still have various ways to encourage your employees and foster this work culture. 

Create a work from a home culture that actually works

Many companies lacked remote policies. However, for some organizations, the nature of businesses didn’t allow them to work remotely effectively. But, working remotely is the need of the hour. Here are a few things that you can do to support remote employees to adopt the remote culture:

• Communication is the key – Follow the social distance measures. But, stay socially connected with your employees. Effective communication will help you in managing your team.
• Use technology and be virtually present – Everyone is having a rough time. Therefore, it is even more important to listen and be present for your employees. Conduct group calls or one-on-one video calls with your employees. Discuss if they are facing any challenges or they have any feedback. 
• Be flexible with meeting timings – Keep every employee’s schedule in mind. Otherwise, these video meetings will look like a burden to your employees. Not just with meetings, but you should also be a little flexible for work. Employees are facing technology and other challenges. Therefore, focus on the outcome more and be as much flexible as you can.
• Regular updates and feedback – Ensure the team is on track and keeps taking daily updates from them. And share your feedback regularly. 

Work culture isn’t about a place or a location. It is more about mindset. The pandemic has forced us to stay at home and work remotely. Work from home is a new way of life and could be the new normal. It might be hard for some. However, when done well, you can even optimize employee performance. Make use of technology and embrace the new culture. 

Stay tuned to Styl-Inc Blogs for more such tips and trends. 

Keep’in it Styl’ ish,

Signing off,

Deepali