The new coronavirus outbreak has forced workers around the world to make major changes in the way we work. Especially in Japan, the meaning of the term "telework" seems to have changed dramatically. Up until now, telework was often discussed as a system that could be used by those workers who could not come to the office full time due to childcare, nursing care, handicaps, or other reasons. Now, however, more and more companies are thinking of increasing productivity, work engagement, employee satisfaction, etc. by making it available to all workers.
With such a major turning point, what will our "future of work" look like when the pandemic comes to an end? Veldhoen + Company, which has been working on work style transformation for over 30 years, presents three predictions in the article "What is the New Future of Work?" on their website (no longer available). (The English translations in the article marked with diagonal lines below are by the author of this column.)
Prediction 1: As knowledge workers work from home, work and life will become more integrated and harmonious.
Many of us have worked long hours to maintain or advance in our competitive careers, sacrificing family, friends, and personal passions. But now, the world of work and the world of home and family are inseparable. Suddenly, we're eating all three meals at home. While this situation has been confusing for some, for most of us, it's a rare opportunity to reconnect with the people and activities we care about most.
As the pandemic continues to leave us with the ability to work from home more frequently, and with greater flexibility in how we integrate and harmonize our work and home lives, we will emerge with the knowledge, skills and capabilities to navigate the “new future of work.”
Prediction 2: When these difficult times come to an end, we will feel a greater sense of interconnectedness and shared humanity.
How we empathize with the humanity of others is changing. And with the advent of artificial intelligence, the human touch is paramount at work and at home. In the future, as machines take over the monotonous tasks, humans will be valued for their human skills. Our collective human experience of dealing with the pandemic has brought us together as a global community to see the humanity in each other.
This also applies to the people I work with, and it means recognizing each other's humanity on a daily basis. Through video chat, I've had the opportunity to feel the humanity of my clients, meet their families and pets, and get a glimpse into their homes. People whose lives I had never interacted with or recognized before are now integrated into my life. We've been working together for months now, and our connection has suddenly deepened, despite the physical distance.
Prediction 3: Work will become more flexible, even as physical borders close and business travel plummets
In times of panic, people tend to fall back on old behaviors and rely on “tried-and-true” strategies. They become highly risk-averse. However, the unique circumstances of the pandemic have forced organizations to try something new: flexible working. While these options have been around for some time, only a few people have taken such extreme approaches to working. Now, knowledge workers around the world are stepping into the “new future of work” en masse.
What do these three predictions mean for Japanese workers?
How will the three predictions introduced above affect the working style and lifestyle of Japanese workers? Prediction 1 is something that people who are still working from home as a measure to prevent infection are probably feeling right now. Many people say that by eliminating the commute time, they can now use the time for housework, personal matters, and rest. Also, some people who previously had limited working hours due to picking up their children may now be able to work longer hours.
Regarding prediction 2, it would be easier to build a team by appropriately disclosing private and personal aspects, leading to deeper mutual understanding and improved psychological safety. On the other hand, it would be troubling for workers who want to keep their work and private lives separate.
It is unclear when the pandemic will subside and travel, such as for business trips, will return to normal. However, while maintaining the benefits of flexible working styles, I think it is important to reexamine the meaning of face-to-face communication. As stated in prediction 3, rather than simply reverting to the way we have worked up until now, it will be necessary to use the experience we have gained to create new ways of working for the future.
At ITOKI, we also have a program that supports the introduction of a "hybrid work style" that combines working in the office and working from home. If you are interested, please take a look at this as well.
