Virtual workspaces have evolved throughout the quarantine period. Many companies have adopted a remote work setup due to the COVID-19 virus outbreak in 2020. With the many adjustments that employees and employers had to make to shift to a virtual workspace, many businesses’ company cultures have been affected. Relationships between colleagues and managers may have changed due to the shift in the means of communication among them.
The pandemic has affected the security measures of businesses. Adopting a digital workspace means that companies had to familiarize themselves with new technologies which could potentially compromise their data security if not managed properly. Security, in data and in human resources, is an important aspect to ensure among employees when managing a company. Having personal security allows an individual to perform at their best, knowing that there is no threat to their safety.
Company cultures may have changed over the quarantine period and these businesses may have hired new employees, but managers should make sure to continuously encourage diversity in the workplace. This will allow individuals to feel more secure in their work environment, knowing that they are accepted in the company.
Workplace Culture Amid A Pandemic
Working from home has not been easy for many employees who were not accustomed to the remote work arrangement. While many workers had to face a tight learning curve, companies had no choice but to adopt this new work arrangement. With the quarantine guidelines in place, businesses needed to operate from home to minimize the potential spread of the COVID-19 virus at the office.
Employees had no choice in their new work setup; however, this did not come without a price. The quarantine remote work arrangement has affected various factors of work culture such as employee loyalty and engagement. While this is so, the virtual workplace has also transformed work culture in positive aspects. The new business environment has paved the way for innovation and resilience, which are important elements of business, especially during a crisis.
The use of technology has also been a useful element in the digital business landscape. Pandemic innovations in technology have allowed businesses to reimagine leadership and organizational systems to a different level. These new systems include providing training programs to employees to refresh their skill sets for the change in the consumer demographics.
Maintaining a company culture despite working from home is important in encouraging supportive and positive work culture. Apart from providing team-building activities, business leaders and managers need to work on establishing a virtual space where workers feel connected and secure. These managers need to make sure that their employees continue to feel visible and heard despite the distance between them.
Business leaders need to place their trust in their employees for a company culture to thrive. These leaders have to trust their workers’ skills and self-motivation in staying productive at home instead of micromanaging every individual. Managers should also promote transparency among their teams to be able to strengthen trust and employee loyalty to the company.
Providing the feeling of safety and security is important in any workplace. Employees need to feel seen and heard by their superiors to cultivate a culture of trust. This can enhance their performance at work and can strengthen relationships among colleagues and their leaders.
Acceptance, Security, and Safety in The Workplace
The global health crisis has raised concerns regarding safety in the physical workplace. Companies need to implement and observe strict health and safety protocols to keep their employees safe and secure. Apart from minimizing the risks of acquiring the virus, however, companies also need to remember that there are other risks that can come into play when returning to the office.
Discrimination in the workplace can manifest in microaggressive behavior. Business leaders need to work on creating a respectful and accepting work culture to protect all members of their organization. Having a respectful work culture can build a company culture that is collaborative and productive.
Business leaders need to keep their eyes open on aggressive behavior among their employees. These may come in subtle ways and even unintentional behavior but these microaggressions should always be called out to maintain a culture of harmony and safety at work. Employees and managers should always feel safe in their work environment as it is their right to work in an accepting community.
Virtual workspaces can sometimes cause miscommunication among colleagues and managers; however, there are many technological innovations that can assist a company’s communication methods. It’s important for businesses to cultivate a work environment that is safe and accepting of everyone in the organization. Avoiding negative behavior and mindsets can cultivate a healthy work environment for everyone.
