The Emergence of Remote Work as the New Normal

Businesses that have failed to establish an online presence before the outbreak of the virus have been severely impacted. The changing demands from the consumers have made things even more complicated

Fremont, CA: The COVID-19 pandemic has altered life as we know it at an unprecedented rate. What was a scattered virus with a handful of cases in the first month of the year has gone on to impact the whole world within a couple of months. Half the year has been spent dealing with the outbreak, and the rest of the year seems to be lost in the search for a vaccine. Amidst this, the business landscape has transformed in ways unimaginable. At the end of 2019, the priorities for human resources departments were to retain the best talent and attract new employees. Business leaders are now rapidly reshaping their business policies and adopting new business models to accommodate the pandemic's impact. Hiring has come to a near standstill as many big companies have been forced to lay off large workforce sections.

Businesses of all kinds have experienced a severe drop in revenue and have been pushed to bankruptcy. Businesses that have failed to establish an online presence before the outbreak of the virus have been severely impacted. The changing demands from the consumers have made things even more complicated. People expected a contactless experience as social distancing becomes the new normal. Brick and mortar stores may never enjoy peak business days like before. Staying indoors has become a necessity more than a choice. This is not restricted to shopping habits alone. Employees have been forced to take up remote positions. All sectors that require employees to work from a computer and do not require physical presence have been opting for work from home options to do their part in curbing the spread of the virus.

Adapting to Remote Work

Different nations have approached the pandemic differently. Governments have been drawing up various protocols to ensure public safety. Social distancing is a standard protocol among them all. Large gatherings need to be avoided at any cost, and these include not just weddings and functions but also office scenarios. HR managers have been forced to draw up remote work policies quickly and put them into action. While the technology for smooth and efficient remote work is available in the market today, its practical applications still need to be tested. While some companies have excelled at leveraging these technologies, many have struggled to find the right balance for work in this new era of remote work.

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