The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the world in many ways and the working environment is no exception. Despite the many challenges and uncertainties we faced, especially at the start of the pandemic, a number of positive developments for workers have since become established.
We have taken a closer look at which temporary measures were introduced by companies during the pandemic and are likely to become permanent.
Digital tools & equipment
The pandemic acted as a catalyst, rapidly accelerating digital transformation. Prior to this, significantly fewer companies used digital technologies for meetings, communication or remote working. But lockdowns and social distancing forced most firms to find virtual solutions to allow their employees to work from home.
Proper employee equipment and a wide range of state-of-the-art tools continue to make it possible to optimise communication and improve workflows. Tools such as Slack, Microsoft Teams and Zoom are now part of everyday life for many employees.
Flexible working
Working alongside one another in the office was also impossible for a long period of time. Employees had to work remotely or from home, as there was no other option in many sectors. In 2021, for example, 39.6 percent of all employees in Switzerland worked from home at least occasionally[1]. While many employees were happy to return to the office once the restrictions were lifted, others greatly appreciate working from home. The majority of skilled workers, for example, prefer hybrid models allowing them to work both from home and in the office.
Either way, most employees have a lot more flexible working options following the pandemic. This leads to a better work-life balance, as it is easier to adapt their working hours and locations to their individual needs. Many commuters are also happy to avoid long journey times, which can lead to a reduction in stress and an increase in productivity.
Health and well-being
The pandemic has also increased awareness of the importance of health and well-being in the workplace. Employers have taken measures to ensure emotional safety at work and support employee well-being.
These include flexible working hours, mental health support programmes, back and spine exercises, (virtual) fitness classes, etc. The crisis has also resulted in a more open approach to psychological stress and helped to reduce the stigma surrounding this issue.
Summary
In summary, therefore, not everything resulting from the pandemic is negative. There are extremely positive aspects for employees, such as flexible working models, video conferencing and increased awareness of employee well-being.
At the same time, however, we should not forget that many professional groups, such as nurses in Switzerland, will gain little or no benefit from these changes. It is therefore important to recognise the wide-ranging impact of the pandemic on the world of work and take measures to ensure that all workers can receive equal support in future.
[1] https://www.bfs.admin.ch/bfs/de/home/statistiken/kultur-medien-informationsgesellschaft-sport/informationsgesellschaft/gesamtindikatoren/volkswirtschaft/teleheimarbeit.html