Covid-19 has affected each individual's life in some way or the other...extreme for some, milder for some others. Covid-19 has led to the imposition of certain sanitary and hygienic habits which although fundamental to our well-being and health were either completely or partially ignored by most of us.
We have, over the past few months, normalised and internalised hygienic habits like washing and sanitising our hands frequently, disinfecting our homes, being aware and cautious of the surfaces and things that we come in contact with outside the home, etc.
The strict lockdown conditions have imposed "work from home" and "study from home" on a very serious note. Social distancing has become a mandate in order to prevent the spread of the virus. Indeed a very effective way to achieve social distancing is to limit the number of people travelling to their workplace; which is possible through "work from home".
I opine that "work from home" shall become the new normal as it is effective in terms of work productivity (if one has the ability to not get distracted by the activities taking place in the home at the same time). In cases where "work from home" may be impossible or not too effective, the employers may implement "flexible hours."
"Flexible hours" helps to reduce traffic congestion and crowding in public transportations as individuals travel to and fro their work place at the time that is convenient for them; thus avoiding the rush hours.
According to me, "9 to 5" jobs shall cease to exist or may at least turn into "near-extinction species."
Those individuals whose work profile consists of a desk-job in front of a laptop or computer might find "work from home" as a preferred option rather than travelling hours in crowded public transport or being stuck for hours in traffic congestion.
"Work from home" and "flexible hours" reduces the stress on the infrastructure of metropolitan cities. These new working options will also reduce the risk of individuals contracting any sort of communicable diseases and infections. Apart from these, "work from home" and "flexible hours'' will be of great help to our environment as these are sustainable options of continuing our "work" by merely changing the way we work and by altering the way in which we approach our workplaces.
"Study from home" however effective it might sound, it cannot be the only way education is imparted to students. Children develop certain values, ethics and personality traits in school when they mingle with other students in the physical space. Hence, "study from home" is the need of the hour now but it cannot permanently replace schools, colleges and other educational institutions.
"Work from home" and "flexible hours" is an alternate reality that has found its concrete conception and birth during the Covid-19 lockdown period. I strongly suggest that this might turn into a long-term permanent pattern of work for both employers and employees.
By Sharon Misquitta
TYBA
A well written article
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