Reflections and Projections
15th February 2021
We all know that 2020 has been a year like no other. While a lot of the year hasn’t gone as planned, it’s certainly not all bad news. We’ve learned to work in innovative, new ways, many of which have helped us catch up with the ever-advancing pace of modern technology.
So, when it comes to the workplace, what exactly has changed in 2020 - and what is projected to remain and change again in the workplace of 2021? This article will examine both the reflections of the last year and projections for the next.
Reflections of 2020
Remote working
The biggest change of 2020 has been that people all over the world have shifted from working in-office to remote work. Because of lockdowns and concerns over the virus spreading, more and more people have opted to work from home. This means a few things:
More reliance on 'virtual team' technology
Businesses have had to adapt to virtual communication for teams to effectively collaborate on projects. Probably the most notable aspect of this has been video calling, which has become the norm for organisations up and down the country, with most meetings now taking place via video chat. This is certainly a trend that will carry on into 2021 and beyond!
More work-life balance
Working from home has also given most people more work-life balance. As most people aren’t commuting, and people are generally spending less time in insignificant meetings, the working day has been sliced - by half in some cases. People are starting work at 9 am and often managing to finish between 3 pm - 4 pm, getting the same amount of work done.
A flexible workday
For those that have other commitments in the day, 2021 has enabled them to have a much more flexible workday. For example, some people have been finishing work early on Fridays and working on Sunday afternoons because that helps them enjoy the weekend more. Others have been working in the evenings to account for a bit of childcare in the afternoon. Working from home has helped a lot of people have much more flexible lives!
Less social life
It’s not all good, of course - 2020 has meant less social life for nearly everybody. In the workplace, this means that there have been no after-work Friday drinks, and nothing in the way of teambuilding. Of course, these events have been available online - many teams have had drinks and done activities over conference calling - but it’s not quite the same as being in person with people. Many people are very excited about lockdown to end so they can actually spend some time in the physical company of people!
Projections for 2021
Remote working will continue - but not completely
Most office employees are in one of two camps. Some can see the real benefits of remote working and want it to continue - so much so that some have moved out to the countryside - whereas others can’t wait to get back into the office, missing the busy atmosphere in which they work, the social side of office work, and the opportunities that physically being with other team members offers.
In reality, there will probably be a mix going into 2021. Some people will carry on working remotely, but most (after Spring, when hopefully the pandemic situation is better) will probably go into the office a few days per week, and spend a few more working from home. Teams may need to get used to having some people in person, and some people online.
More people will become digital nomads
As more people will be working from home, those in completely remote roles may request permission to be able to work from another country. Many are attracted by the idea of working in a hot country with a potentially cheaper cost of living, and with visas available to remote workers, this is a very real possibility. Brexit may cause some complications with this, but this is certainly a trend which we see being popular in 2021
Co-working spaces will boom
Co-working spaces are already popular among start-ups and small businesses and this looks set to continue. They offer people an affordable and convenient way to have access to basic office facilities, offering the benefits of this setup at a fraction of the cost of renting or owning a full office space. Many also value the social aspect, as well as the opportunity to share knowledge and resources with fellow business owners.
To summarise, the general trend for 2021 is more remote working, and this is set to continue to an extent. People will probably find more creative ways to socialise with each other and work together in 2021 but will value the freedoms that this year has given them - one of the very few silver linings from what has been a very challenging year.
