During the pandemic, workplaces went through major transformations where many companies, businesses, and individuals ditched the traditional workplaces and took work to home, giving rise to the most significant 'work from home' scenario.

Tech played a pivotal role during the lockdown as many embraced remote technologies to work efficiently and effectively. Fast forward to the present, in a somewhat vaccinated world, when many remote workers take a journey back to their previous workplaces, tech is aiding them now as well.

Hybrid work plan

People have resorted to choosing what suits them well after exploring the alternatives to regular workplaces. The tech giants such as Microsoft, Facebook, Google, Apple, LinkedIn, Twitter, Pinterest, Spotify, Quora, Amazon and Dropbox to mention a few are reluctant to ask for the return of all of their employees at the office after the lockdown. These global companies have acknowledged the numerous benefits of working from home during the pandemic, and are allowing the majority of their employees to relocate or work from home. They are to work remotely for an indefinite period in the wake of the Omicron variant, unless their work requires specialised physical presence.

The Covid-19 panic is still gripping the world. While the world is not yet completely safe from the virus, advantages like less commute time, flexible work hours, and convenient working environments urge employees to opt for the newer option of remote working. Workplace software keeps supporting accelerated productivity and office operations by being incorporated into the post-pandemic working situations. There are, however, some people who can not let go of the perks of in-person working in fear of missing out on socialising with colleagues or having trouble adjusting to the new 'norm'.

In the post-pandemic era, even though many are going back to their original working arrangements, tech is still helping people choose what is feasible for them. This in turn promotes the hybrid work model, where proper implementation of tech ensures that employees can experience the best of both work environments while eliminating the impediments of each option.

Readjusting to traditional workplaces

A safe workspace and strict hygiene measures are given top priority in post-pandemic workplaces so that employees are comfortable going back to work. To ensure their employees remain safe in their respective workplaces, companies have begun integrating touchless tech. Face recognition or other touch-free biometric verifications are replacing customary ID checking methods. Robots are being used to clean up shared devices or surfaces of the workspaces. AR tech helps maintain a connected network system between employees. Tech is here not just for the practical advantages it provides, but also for strengthening communal unity.

Even now, traditional workplaces need to be safe, healthy and sufficiently distanced. Smart offices, buildings with automated functionalities or contactless facilities, are growing in popularity. Wearable technology is also receiving significant recognition for seamless social distancing, along with digital payment methods. Post-pandemic workplaces are adapting to the digital shift of smart technologies. Although such use of technological advancements is still less common in specifically Bangladesh, many do hope these tech-enabled options will be put to use here as well.

On the other hand, there are individuals who are concerned with our seemingly over-reliance on tech. Many employers, despite being willing, cannot fully accept the newer demands of smart offices or a fully AI-integrated workplace. It is a shift many are finding hard to adjust to or even comprehend as they are afraid tech might take over their place when the employment opportunities are already scarce. Many still remain worried about the ever-present concern of personal data privacy.

Preparation for the future

The pandemic has brought forward a new era of technological revolution. We are becoming more competent with technology thanks to our pandemic experiences. The pandemic brought a shift where we utilised tech like never before and tech was the means of staying safe and connected with loved ones while also keeping ourselves productive during long lockdowns. Tech also helped many maintain their livelihood despite their physical workplaces being closed down for almost over a year. Moving into the post-pandemic era, we have come to truly appreciate the values and capabilities of technology more robustly.Nonetheless, the pandemic has altered people's perspectives of business, learning and the workplace. The evaluation of employees' contributions for the betterment of the companies is constantly evolving. It was and still continues to be a dark time for many, especially those who could not use tech for their benefit. There are certain tech companies who earned millions of dollars, whereas many unfortunately lost their jobs.

These changes are expected to leave a lasting impact on the way people plan on moving forward. Prospective future workers, upon understanding that tech is the future of workplaces where the working dynamic is forever changing, are trying to learn more about it so that they can be prepared to use technological tools if time demands it again.

Since companies are interested in reaping the benefits of integrating tech in workplaces with noticeable shifts in company cultures, they are expecting technological competency from their future employees. It is tech that is helping job-seekers prepare better for the upcoming days. So, experts suggest we can hope to see a higher surge in people engaging in accentuating the soft skills needed for virtual working and sharpening their tech-related skills for the future of workplaces.