Ready or not, companies have quickly figured out how to keep going, even when employees can’t come into the office. We’ve seen what we can do when options are taken from us. Turns out, us humans are pretty adaptable, strong, and innovative!
But what does this mean for the future? Already, employers need to be thinking about how to operate in a post-quarantine world. We need to be examining what’s working with employees at home and ask if our old ways are the only ways.
When social distancing is relaxed, will employees keep working from home? Or is it crucial to return to an office environment? More importantly, are those even the only two options? Is there a middle-ground alternative?
If there’s anything we’ve learned from this pandemic, it’s that we all need to take a hard look at our previous practices and examine what we thought was necessary.
No employer should return to business as usual without examining old practices. And in many cases, companies should use coworking spaces and turnkey workspaces. For those who try it out, coworking spaces will prove to be the cost-effective solution that boosts productivity, enhances creativity, increases sales, and empowers employees to have a better life.
If Working From Home Isn’t Fully Cutting It
Employees have risen to the challenge to work from home, and they’re doing a phenomenal job. But they’re facing significant challenges in their homes too.
It’s difficult to stare down a laundry pile and not tend to it, especially when you’re working on a work project that isn’t exactly thrilling. It’s also a challenge to ignore the siren call of last night’s leftovers. And the candy in the cupboard. And the crackers in the pantry… and oh, you know, we might as well cook up a whole meal if we’re in the kitchen anyway.
Not to mention the pet, the lure of the couch or bed, the unfinished house projects laying in wait. And many people don’t have comfortable or adequate seating or desk space. The kitchen table is working for now, but it’s not be the best solution long-term.
But even with all these disadvantages at home, the lack of commute is incredible and greatly enhances the life of the employee. Since working from home is (mostly) working, companies should consider purchasing memberships at coworking spaces close to where their employees live to give them the option of working closer to home — but without the distractions of home.
Consider a Varied Schedule
Companies are managing during quarantine, but they may be struggling to meet goals with all of their employees out of the office. Sometimes, things need to be hashed out in person and in groups.
But not all things.
Some aspects of projects are actually handled better when coworkers and bosses aren’t hovering.
Employers might consider asking employees to return to the office for part of the week, but allow working from home (or a coworking space) on other days.
After all, if employees are managing to work from home now during the most stressful time of our lives, imagine what they can do when the pressure is off. Imagine what they can do when they’re close to home in a productive coworking space.
Meet Clients Where They Are
If a company’s territory is large, it makes sense to have multiple locations for employees to call home base. This way, employees can be in closer proximity to clients.
A coworking space used by one or more employees can help a company more effectively meet with clients who are spread out in the area. It can also give employees access to new clients near the coworking space.
Get New Business
One of the biggest benefits to companies using coworking spaces is the interaction with people in different industries. Coworking spaces bring people together from all industries. Some companies, like banks, benefit when their employees have the chance to network on the daily with the tech startups, freelancers, and other businesses using coworking spaces.
Happier Staff
During quarantine, we’re seeing — more than ever — how important mental health and happiness is. If companies want to succeed, they must consider the happiness of their employees.
Coworking spaces can help employees’ happiness by reducing time sitting in traffic, keeping employees close to their families, and respecting their time. Happier employees are more productive employees. They’re also more creative, better at problem-solving, and more enthusiastic about their lives and their jobs.
The truth is that nothing is ever going to go back to the “normal” we once knew.
And we’re not sure that it should.
There were real problems with employees going into the office every single day. When social distancing eases, this will be the chance to find the happy middle ground that both benefits employees and strengthens companies.
This is a chance to start fresh and do things differently. If coworking spaces feature into your fresh start, give Coworking Connection a call at 1-800-762-1391 to discuss your future coworking solutions in Murrieta or Temecula.