Who knew that 2020 would be the year that turned every business on its head? This time last year, we certainly didn’t. Now we know how unpredictable life can be, and with us still currently in a national lockdown, there is no way of knowing when normality will ensue.
By April 2020, statistics released by the UK’s Office for National Statistics showed 49.2% of adults in employment were working from home, as a result of the social distancing measures introduced in response to the coronavirus pandemic. “Death of the office” and “the new normal” were trends throughout the year, but what’s in store for working in 2021?
Workplace Predictions for 2021
Remote Working Here to Stay
Now that businesses have been operating from home for 9 months, it comes as no surprise that remote working will continue in the future. This adaptation has proven to be more successful for some than first thought, so why change back? With the technology on hand and a team that works well this way, there is no need to revert back to going to an office full time.
Office Space is Not Dead
As valid as the point above is, the switch to remote working also made some businesses realise the importance of an office space. Even if working from home was working for them, it is apparent that some miss the office environment. We predict that as things start to revert back to normality, offices will open back up again. Most likely, flexible working will provide the easiest transition and a comfortable balance between the two environments.
A Different Commute for Workers
In addition to the move back to the office, we also see employee commuting habits changing. With the pandemic encouraging daily exercise and avoidance of public transport, we may see more people walking and cycling to work, if possible. 2021 may even encourage companies to choose to move to offices that are easier to commute in order to cater to this new demand.
Advancing Workplace Technology
With the importance of the internet and technology designed for home working becoming prominent in 2020, it is likely that this will continue to develop. The basics of communication and collaboration were successfully met last year, so now it’s time to add more features to help remote workers even further. We predict that we will see many more companies introduced to this market and reveal exciting, innovative technology in 2021.
Ocean Telecom always keep up to date with the latest trends and technology so we can provide the best communication solutions for your business. We have supported hundreds of clients during this pandemic and will continue to do so for the future.
If you need assistance with your remote working technology, please don’t hesitate to contact us today and we would be more than happy to help you!
