Workplace change within the COVID-19 context: The new (next) normal

Area of Science:

• Organizational Behavior
• Human Resources Management
• Pandemic Impact Studies

Background:

• The COVID-19 pandemic significantly altered traditional workplace structures and operations.
• Previous research explored pandemic-induced workplace changes, necessitating further investigation into the evolving work environment.
• Understanding the long-term implications of remote work and hybrid models is crucial for organizational adaptation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the current state and evolution of the workplace, particularly in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic and the emergence of the 'next normal'.
• To identify and analyze indicators for measuring workplace transformations driven by the pandemic.
• To extend previous research by examining workplace dynamics during and after the COVID-19 period.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of diverse documents, publications, and surveys to gather insights on remote working experiences.
• Identification of key indicators to understand and quantify workplace changes.
• Review of existing literature on strategic categories for reimagining the post-COVID-19 workplace.

Main Results:

• Remote working has presented both advantages and disadvantages for employees and organizations.
• Identified indicators provide a deeper understanding of the 'new normal' workplace environment under COVID-19.
• Analysis revealed patterns in workplace evolution influenced by the pandemic, leading to the development of new indicators.

Conclusions:

• The COVID-19 pandemic has permanently transformed the workplace, necessitating a reinvention of operational strategies.
• Strategic categories such as workspace redesign, flexibility, work-life balance, and health security are vital for employee engagement.
• Future research should focus on developing models for employee satisfaction within these evolving work structures, acknowledging ongoing uncertainty.