2020 was a roller coaster year for so many industries. In a year that changed the way that we work and the way that we look at traditional working environments, there has been a radical shift in what employees and employers expect a traditional workday to look like. A startling 74% of people interviewed by Exeter Daily reported that they expected to work more than two-fifths of the week from home in 2021.
So, in a year that has changed the way that we look at what a traditional work place environment looks like, here are some of the key takeaways that we can expect to infiltrate the workplace in 2021 and beyond.
1. Comfortable Working Arrangements
If you are one of the 43% of Brits that found their daily meeting substituted with a Zoom call from the comfort of their couch, you are probably struggling to return to a normal working environment. NPS Office Furniture Townsville found that more workplaces were investing in non-traditional workplace setups that prioritise comfort, over traditional office layouts. We expect to see this trend continue over the next twelve months as more employees demand comfortable spaces that closely mimic the comfort felt when working from home.
2. Assist Employees to Overcome Social Isolation
Overcoming the social isolation that employees faced in 2020 is one of the best reasons to promote a move back into the office (health conditions pending, of course). Many employees reported that their mental health had taken a turn south in 2020 as a direct result of reduced daily contact. Employers should be looking at ways that they can promote a return to work.
3. More Flexibility
The future of work looks very different to what most people would have predicted back in 2019. One study conducted found that more than 67% of employees want their workplace to be entirely remote in 2021. While this may not be possible, the pressure that is mounting means that it is likely that more workplaces will go remote and individuals will have the freedom and flexibility to choose where and when they want to work.
