Five Ways that Coronavirus May Change Work Forever 

The Coronavirus pandemic has forced about two-thirds of Americans to work from home.  Not only do many Americans want to continue working remotely so they don’t catch coronavirus at the office, but they also prefer working from home.  A recent Gallup poll found that 59% of Americans would like to continue to work remotely “as much as possible” once social distancing restrictions on businesses and schools are lifted.  Some Americans say they prefer virtual workdays due to the lack of commute, cleaner environment, money saved on gas and daycare, and greater productivity levels.  Many Americans prefer remote work and businesses have now developed the infrastructure for virtual meetings, so American workplaces may never look the same.  Here are six ways that the COVID-19 pandemic may permanently change the future of work in the United States.  

1. The Eight-Hour Work Day May Not Exist 

More Americans will likely continue to work remotely after the pandemic subsides due to the benefits for workers and businesses.  This could mean that the typical nine to five, eight-hour workday will no longer exist.  Workers, especially those that are salaried, would have more discretion over their work schedules.  They could determine their own hours and work would be more focused on outcomes rather than the amount of time dedicated to certain projects.

2. Fewer Middle Managers 

If remote work is the future, there will be less need for middle managers at corporations.  Internet communication has made it easier for high-level directors to manage a greater number of lower-level workers. It has also made entry-level workers more independent on projects with less physical supervision.  This change will minimize the need for middle management and elaborate hierarchies in companies. 

3. Less Business Travel

Remote work during the COVID-19 pandemic has made companies and workers more comfortable with conducting virtual meetings via Zoom and other video conferencing software. As a result, employees who once traveled internationally to Shanghai or London for meetings and sales trips may opt for Zoom calls instead in the future.  Not only do virtual calls save companies travel costs, but they also decrease travel stresses and make meetings more efficient.  

4. More E-Learning 

Companies have enhanced their digital learning and professional development programs throughout the pandemic to train employees on how to use new technologies.  Now that companies and workers are familiar with virtual learning, these online programs will likely continue to encourage employees to constantly build new skills, especially technological capacities.  In-person learning will likely only take place in situations where virtual learning isn’t possible. 

5. More Casual Attire 

Many Americans who are working remotely dress more casually for Zoom and Google Hangout meetings than they would for in-person meetings at the office. This may lead to more casual business attire even when companies open back up and ask employees to return to in-person workdays.  

Seek Legal Assistance

If you have had employment issues while working from home, seek legal assistance today. Whether its pay, discrimination, wrongful termination, or something else, the Working Solutions Law Firm, located in New York City, can assist you. Contact us today at (646) 430-7930 to schedule a free case evaluation and receive experienced legal counsel.