5 Positive Workplace Trends We Can Expect After COVID-19
There is no doubt we are in the midst of one of the most unique workplace (and health) challenges that we have ever faced.
I could spend a great deal of time writing about the negative consequences we have and will continue to see as a result of COVID-19, but I also think it is important to highlight some of the positive workplace trends that will continue after COVID-19.
Here are what I believe to be the top 5 positive workplace trends we can expect:
#1 - Increase in Employers Offering Telehealth Insurance Coverage
Over the past several years, employers and health insurance companies have promoted Telehealth (Dr. visits for certain medical conditions conducted via video/phone), as a lower-cost option for both employers and employees. However, since Telehealth has been introduced to the market, employees have been hesitant to use it, primarily since it’s a new and different healthcare experience to see a Dr. via video rather than in-person. Obviously, Telehealth is not appropriate for all medical conditions, but it can be more efficient and less expensive for employees and their dependents with certain medical needs. With COVID-19, many healthcare providers have had no other choice than to offer video appointment options due to social distancing. This has required many employees to use Telehealth for the first time ever, allowing them to see it as a viable healthcare option they will likely use again in the future.
#2 - Fewer Employees Feeling Compelled to go to Work Sick
COVID-19 has heightened everyone’s awareness of how quickly illness can spread when people go to work sick. This will likely lead to more sensitivity and caution for both employees and employers when an employee shows symptoms of illness at work. Employees may be more likely to be sent home or asked to not come into work when they are ill, whereas before, some employers may have been more relaxed about this. Additionally, the Families First Coronavirus Response Act required employers with under 500 employees to implement up to 80 hours of paid sick leave in certain circumstances. As a result, paid sick leave may also be on an upward trend after COVID-19. Both before and after COVID-19, sick employees attending work is costly. When illness at work spreads, it leads to more employees needing time off and a greater decrease in productivity.
#3 - Improved Workplace Emergency Planning and Preparedness
For some employers, COVID-19 is an eye-opener into the importance of emergency planning and having a strong business continuity plan for how the company will continue to operate in a pandemic. Because of this, many employers are taking action to improve both the forethought and the execution of their emergency and business continuity plans. The result is likely better overall preparedness for emergencies in the workplace.
#4 - Decreased Recruitment Costs Due to an Increase in Video Interviewing
Employers that are still hiring during COVID-19, have had to rely heavily on “virtual recruiting” processes, such as interviewing job applicants via video. Some hiring managers who may have been hesitant to use videoconferencing software prior to COVID-19 are now familiar with the efficacy of video interviewing. This will likely lead to a continuation of video interviewing, which is a less expensive and more efficient option, especially for job applicants who live far from the employer.
#5 - Increased Employee Productivity and Satisfaction Due to an Increase in Working from Home
Although working from home does not make sense for every individual employee, job, or company, with COVID-19, employers have been forced to get creative about how to maintain productivity by quickly setting up and managing remote workforces. The situation has given both employers and employees an opportunity to test out whether remote work is right for them. And in many cases, both parties are happy with the arrangement, which will likely lead to an uptick in remote work even after COVID-19. Research suggests that overall employee satisfaction, productivity, and retention increases when an employer offers flexible work arrangements, such as the option of working from home.
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