Embracing the future, reimagining the workplace

by Elton Gagni / November 10, 2020

Work environments have evolved through the years — from working solely in an office to hot desking, even coworking spaces. Because technology has enabled us to become smarter and more agile with how we approach work, we are able to accomplish our tasks right from our phones or in any location as long as there’s connectivity.

With digital transformation on full steam while being fueled by the adjustments and compromises done due to the pandemic, the evolution of work environments continues to progress. Local podcast B2B: Breakfast to Business tackles the subject as host Bea Lim and special guest digital marketing guru Jason Cruz share valuable insights on how much remote work has impacted daily routines and how it is becoming the norm as opposed to being just a contingency.

Higher value for mental health and empathy. Over the past few months, people have developed a strong awareness of the value that should be placed on mental health due to exhaustion from work. As the lines blurred between work and home, Jason highlighted the importance of having time for yourself and completely detaching from work. Bea added how people have become more emphatic with each other, helping one another in different ways, even as simple as noticing the kids who suddenly interrupt a virtual call.

Work from home for some, but not all. Bea and Jason also agreed that as industries continue to recover from the impact of the pandemic, work from home is being considered more and more for future work arrangements. There are industries that may still require working in an actual office, but the health crisis has opened up the potential for many industries to explore remote work as a permanent scheme or a blended one.

Trust is the name of the game. Companies need to be more trusting of their employees because it is essential in helping them be productive. The conversation discussed that the lack of trust from employers contributes to the demovitation and unproductiveness of employees. Companies need to develop a new level of trust in their employees, that they can do their job well, despite the lack of physical interactions.

Change in the concept of time. Jason raised a very important concern over the concept of time being forever changed, and many people struggle between what time their work starts and ends. He even shared that he discovered Tetris calendars, which is what virtual calendars look like now with all the meetings scheduled in a day. This only raises the need to keep track of how people must manage their time more efficiently

Operationalizing long-term WFH. Companies must change their view of employee benefits because they no longer have access to typical benefits that can be found inside an office. These benefits and resources need to be reallocated to help people be more productive from their homes. Maximize the use of technology and tools as they are readily available to sustain this kind of work.

As the discussion further progressed, Bea and Jason discussed how having a dress code, no matter how simple the difference may be, is essential to creating a sense of delineation between work and home. They don’t necessarily have to be suit and tie levels, but even as simple as collared shirts or athleisure outfits can help in drawing that line.

The episode also covered more details about the impact of WFH, how isolation and individualism can potentially cause challenges, and the ultimate means to really make remote work manageable in the long run. Listen to Bea and Jason’s full conversation via the TeamAsia website, YouTube, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and Apple Podcasts.

Admittedly, we are all still adjusting to the now normal, despite months living it for the past several months. While there’s no rushing when it comes to our individual progress, let’s not forget about how we can jazz things up in our own little way, be it our clothes, lights around the house, or even just the smell of your surroundings. The future may still be uncertain, but that shouldn’t stop us from having a little fun in between.

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