Almost everyone - barring essential workers - has been working from home for over two months at this point.
So, on some level, we all have a pretty good understanding of the pros and cons of the work-from-home lifestyle. Despite some of the potential detriments, many companies are realizing that productivity hasn't dropped the way they expected.
In fact, Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey, just announced that henceforth his employees won't have the obligation of coming into the office. They can work from home forever if that's what they choose.
via Dilbert (September 1995)
It's interesting to see how fast this pandemic changed "normal" in regard to business operations, shopping, etc. It is another reminder of how adaptable humans and society are – and how that has helped us survive and thrive throughout time.
My team has been working remotely since the beginning of March, and so far they've stepped up to the challenge. I've been impressed with the productivity, the hours they've worked, and the connection and collaboration achieved despite the loss of physical proximity. I've heard similar stories from friends around the globe, in many industries.
Nonetheless, I don't believe that the level of remote work and productivity we've experienced will continue. Several things contributed to this level of productivity and output. First, the world shut down and people had little else to do. Second, during scary times, doing something productive and feeling like you are contributing are both comforting and therapeutic. Third, I feel like people felt that it was an "all hands on deck" emergency, where many companies or industries were fighting for survival.
Time kills all things ... and part of adapting is to make the "New", well, "Normal".
That doesn't mean that remote work is bad. Nor does it mean that we can't learn from the experience. It is just that the shiny newness will fade and human nature will kick back in as we settle into the new normal.
Texas is supposedly "Open for Business" – but our office will remain mostly unused. A survey of our team found that 75% didn't believe it was smart or safe to return to the office yet.
Our next target date is June 15th. In the meantime, the office is open for people who want or need it. We just don't expect many to be there.
We are better at the skills, tools, and mindsets that make remote work possible or profitable. Still, I'm curious how time and human nature will affect the level of work done in the next month (compared to what was done or achieved in the prior month). What we do now really does have the power to change the future.
Personally, to keep productivity up while at home, I've dedicated a certain space - and time - to work. That routine, combined with not muddying the space with other activities, has been helpful. A side benefit is that I've also made time for mindfulness and exercise. Combine that with healthier food (meaning way fewer restaurant meals or entertainment calories) and the health benefits are obvious.
What habits do you want to bring back to your world when it re-opens?
I'm also curious to hear about the methods and tools you're using to stay productive.
Onwards.
