With Ghana being the first country in the world to receive vaccines for COVID-19 via COVAX in late February, those who have been vaccinated — like many others around the world — have now returned to a new sense of normality.
For those who have or are returning to work in an office setting, however, there are numerous ways that work may have changed. From the manner in which employees get work done to how workplace ergonomics can aid in making the adjustment easier, here is what you should take into consideration.
The acceptance of hybrid workstyles
In readjusting to Worklife post-pandemic, employees across the board are much more likely to see more flexibility in their work schedules. For example, while many employees have chosen to keep working from home, hybrid workstyles (which oftentimes involve working from home part-time as well as in the office on an as-needed basis) are becoming much more common, with nine out of 10 leaders at large enterprises in South Africa expecting to adopt a more hybrid way of working permanently. As such, this aids in making the workplace a safer place when it comes to preventing the spread of sickness and can also help in bringing more flexibility to the employee’s work schedule while still being able to maintain productivity.
Changing how employees work
Those working from home may have grown accustomed to doing work from bed or couch, which can contribute to poor posture, lead to back pain, and can even contribute to lower levels of productivity. When readjusting back to a physical office setting, however, ensuring that good workplace ergonomics are utilized is imperative in making the workplace more comfortable. A good chair, for instance, is the perfect way to do this, as adjustable arms can allow for an employee to adjust the chair to their own unique specifications. Ensuring that the chair curves and supports the spine in a natural way are an additional consideration, which can significantly benefit workers who are on the computer most of the day.
An increase in technological tools
Even as many people return to the office, many businesses have taken up the use of technology — from workplace collaboration platforms to video conferencing. Some companies are even utilising such technology for the very first time, thus accelerating the process by several years and leading to an increase in productivity. For instance, along with the ability to instant messages over platforms like Slack or Google Teams, video conferencing can also be done remotely, allowing workers to save time commuting while bringing a new sense of flexibility (and a heightened attendance rate) to the table.
However, this has also broadened the options for brick and mortar businesses during the pandemic, too, allowing many African businesses to take their companies online for the first time. Shamim Sserunjogi and her brother, Moses, are just one prime example of how they successfully turned the limits of the pandemic into business success online. Previously selling tilapia and Nile perch in Uganda, Shamim was able to keep the business running by using social media platforms to connect with clients and continue selling products; with more clients than before the pandemic even hit.
With vaccinations becoming much more omnipresent throughout the world, returning to the office may not resemble the past very much at all. With hybrid workstyles, more technology, and good workplace ergonomics coming into play, there’s no question that work has grown more efficient in different ways.
Author: Briana Hilton
