As restrictions ease in the United States, many organizations have begun assessing their approach to the workforce. The office environment completely changed in a matter of weeks, and the future likely holds a mix between working remotely and in-office operations. Momentum is a Camp Hill, PA management consulting firm focused on helping our clients achieve results, so we’ve gathered our top 4 lessons learned from remote work.

Lesson 1: Leaders Must Encourage A Work-Life Balance

The boundaries between home and work have blurred, making it more difficult than ever to keep work from taking over personal time. While most employees prefer a work-from-home arrangement, at least some of the time, there are still plenty who want to keep work in the office. Some home environments are not well suited to working, such as small spaces or those who have other family members working from home already.

As vacations have been canceled and restrictions make it harder to leave home, many employees take less time off work. Leaders need to encourage breaks from work time, whether it’s just a few hours, a personal day, or even reminding employees to use vacation time. Taking regular breaks is key to creativity and problem-solving. We all need reminders to take those breaks for ourselves.

Lesson 2: Working Remotely Has Improved Some Processes

Challenges can highlight our weaknesses, and working remotely has likely exposed some areas for improvement. Access to technology and information has challenged some businesses, who may have had stricter processes for acquiring laptops or software. The sudden pivot to remote work forced IT departments to abandon inefficient processes to achieve remote capabilities.

Remote collaboration tools have enabled organizations to work with greater transparency. Microsoft Teams and Google Hangouts have eliminated the need for travel, serving as a replacement for face-to-face meetings, and reducing travel time and costs. These tools also enable file sharing, instant messaging and encourage more deliberate and efficient communication. Continue investing in these digital collaboration tools and the technical support required so employees can experience the boost in productivity and morale they provide.

Lesson 3: Video Isn’t Always Best

Be aware of Zoom fatigue, a phenomenon in which video calls drain our energy and intensify feelings of loneliness. Video calls aren’t a complete substitute for face-to-face interactions, as we’re unable to pick up on those subtle in-person cues we need for a conversation. Video conferencing can also make some individuals uncomfortable with sharing what was formerly their private space.

Managers need to be aware of these challenges and situations when conducting meetings. They should consider when a phone call may be a better option to a video conference. Be selective about what requires a meeting and allow team members to choose whether their video is active. As with all new technology, using these tools requires time to adapt and find the right balance for each organization.

Lesson 4: Everything Can Change Without Warning

Where and when we do business has completely changed. We’ve always known to anticipate sudden changes and challenges, but it’s still difficult to adapt when those situations actually arise. Allow this to be a learning experience and lesson within your organization. Things can and will change, sometimes without warning. Still, we can minimize interruptions and even experience growth by developing a flexible and innovative workforce.

It’s unlikely that we’ll fully return to the way things were before the pandemic, and the future holds even more unexpected challenges. As restrictions ease, some organizations may opt for a hybrid approach, combining remote and in-person arrangements. Some may remain mostly remote. The modern office environment is certain to change, and Momentum can work with you to plan for the future. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you with strategic planning and process implementation.