The past year (2020) can be claimed to be a learning experience for all, which includes authorities, businessmen, working professionals, and job-seekers. The scare of Covid-19 and the resulting impact on the economy had revealed several aspects that one would not have considered earlier. One among them is remote team management along with remote work plans. The normal office space with 9-6 timing is now going to a shift to an “Anytime, Anywhere” model. In fact, a majority of professionals in India as well as in other parts of the world are inclined to opt for a permanent remote work plan.
The original concerns were about health as Covid-19 put everything to a standstill. But, according to latest reports, nearly 70% of Indian professionals prefer work from home or a hybrid work model - in which two days a week at office and the remaining 3 days from home. For employees, these give the benefits of home atmosphere, no necessity to travel as well as the freedom to dress and behave as they wish to. For employers, a remote workforce translates into lesser expenses on infrastructure like electricity, cleaning, and others. In addition, there are no specific working hours and more work can be completed with maximum productivity.
There may be pros and cons of remote working but this post does not wish to delve in that direction. The purpose of this article is actually to explain the new type of office environments which have popped up post the Covid-19 scenario. Though cases are still reported, they have reduced in number and working-life has returned to almost normal. Yet, office-work and team management seem to be undergoing an evolution.
The following are the main aspects:
Work from Anywhere!
This is the foremost change. It is no longer compulsory to be present in the office premises at the start of a shift, with official costumes. You may still be on your bed and may still be in nightclothes. But these do not matter as long as you have a laptop/PC and report to duty at the right time. Technology tools and flexible work arrangements have convinced many professionals about the positive aspects of working in an all-digital environment.
Digital Workspaces
A digital workspace is a technological framework in which it manages systems and all other related resources in one platform through the internet. Mostly hosted on the cloud, it is a platform with which employees can access apps and data in real-time – on any device and from any location. This provides companies more flexibility and enables employees to work from wherever they wish to do so. Only people with valid credentials can log-in in such digital workspaces. Digital workspaces can mark attendance, enable work supervision and immediate analysis of quality. Google Drive is a prime example of digital workspace. Some companies may develop their own digital working platforms.
Team Management
Four main aspects will be covered in managing a remote team: people, structure, processes, and technology. In the first category, managers this year will focus on energizing the team and providing psychological safety. Then team leaders will take care of smaller teams with a max of 7-8 members. Meetings will be held regularly through video-conferencing applications such as Zoom, MS Teams etc. This is crucial for remote team management. It will replicate the office atmosphere as much as possible. Along with these, team leaders will reply on technology for content creation, file sharing, channel-based communication, backlog management, and ensuring work is done for a common goal.
Independent Brand
This term actually refers to employees who will become independent brand themselves. No matter, how much supervision and team management are maintained over remote work – employees will have to take care of their own work performances. This is because team leaders or management cannot devote equal time to all employees just over a video-conference/phone call/email. Hence, employees in the near future can be projected to be mostly self-reliant. Moreover, completion is rising along with the trend to job automation. To prove his or her worth, an employee will have to keep learning new skills and ensure maximum productivity as well as quality without continuous supervision.
These are the general features that would determine team management and office culture in the coming months. Pandemic or not; official teamwork is set to undergo a revolution. It may not be liked by all; but change is inevitable.
What is your opinion about this post? Is the workplace changing? Do you like the new way of work? Opinions may differ but the truth doesn’t, which is – necessity is the mother of invention.
About the Author
Yasir has written several short-stories, poems, articles, and also novels besides having a sharp business mind. He has been in and out of several professions including Writing, Salesmanship, Marketing, Help Desk Support, and Teaching.