Work from home was a lesser known concept in India before the coronavirus outbreak but now the work culture is rapidly adapting to this ‘new norm’. It would not be wrong to say this new normal is going to define the future of workspaces in the years to come and is expected to include a balance of working from both the office and from home. The fear of contracting the virus has made the employees resort to work from home. Where most of the companies wouldn’t allow their employees to work remotely pre-covid, now this idea is being embraced by most of them.

Employees are looking for flexibility in their work lives, now more than ever. they want the flexibility to choose between working at an office and a remote location or to exclusively work outside the office once the pandemic is over. Many office workers value in-office connections such as random interactions with colleagues and in-person meetings. While high numbers of employees might feel productive at home, others might still want to connect with their colleagues or simply socialise at the workplace. Employers, therefore, will have to focus on making the office a place workers will want to come back to. Now, the purpose of the office will be to provide an inspiring place that will strengthen cultural connection and learning, foster creativity and innovation.

The claims regarding effectiveness of the coronavirus vaccine by Pfizer has raised the hopes of the people and this may cause a favourable shift against the fear of returning to office but the option of working from home when required is here to stay. People now expect to return to a different workplace with more space per person, less desk sharing, and increased support for mobile and virtual work. It may take some time to go back to office. Many firms are embracing teleworking for the time being to keep employees safe, as well as social distancing measures in the office and new schedules to bring employees back in shifts.

The office isn’t going anywhere, but a new desire for flexibility will urge employers to revaluate their office environments and needs.