The Edge for May 2020
We asked New Jersey business executives to imagine what the post-pandemic workplace will look like. The future, they say, will include face coverings, staggered work hours, more working from home, less expansive offices, less traveling, a lot more video calls, a lot less handshaking and perhaps a new tradition – Work-from-Home Friday. Here is what the execs said:
The New Workplace Will Feature Face Coverings, Social Distancing and No Hand Shakes
Zoom and virtual meetings are here to stay. Employees who were not familiar with Zoom are now using it daily. Before COVID-19, we were already seeing a gradual move to remote working. COVID-19 forced remote working. Returning to the office will be met with many changes. Face coverings, social distancing and no hand shaking will and should be the new normal. As time passes, that will likely change slightly, but what won't change is the affect COVID-19 has had on us both professionally and personally.
– Paula Ferreira, Office Managing Partner, Mazars USA LLP
Flexible Work Arrangements Will Be Part of the New Normal
Most organizations will retain flexible work arrangements, and many will allow significant portions - if not all - of their employees to work from home. Organizations now realize that a remote workforce can be as productive as an in-person workforce. And they are realizing that they can reduce costs on office space, travel and other infrastructure expenses. In the meantime, remote workers are enjoying the flexibility and lack of commute giving them more time with family, on hobbies and, yes, on work!
– Chris Frangione, COO, New Jersey Tech Council
Attendance at the Office Will Be Carefully Scheduled and Staggered
We've probably witnessed the end of shaking hands, perhaps to be replaced by a subtle bow. There will be significant cost savings due to reduced travel and smaller real estate footprints, hopefully not too much at the expense of personal interaction with clients and colleagues. Attendance at the office will be carefully scheduled and staggered to maintain a 'new normal' of social distancing. Nearly everyone will forego the Friday commute, and will work from home that day.
– Diane Wasser, Partner-in-Charge of New Jersey, EisnerAmper LLP
There will be Less Traveling to Attend Meetings and Conferences
The line between serving customers onsite and online will blur as employees will be able to handle both, whether at home or in the office. Work at home will be used more effectively than in the past with employees alternating days in the office with days working from home. There will be less traveling to attend meetings and conferences, and even to meet customers – saving time and money. Video conferencing will be used more than ever before. Systems like Ring Central that allow employees to receive transferred calls on their cell phones no matter where they are will become more prevalent.
– Kevin Luing, Chairman, Berkeley College
Conferences and Board Rooms Will Become a Thing of the Past
We have witnessed the future of practicing law, which will continue to evolve when we return to the office. I expect increased virtual collaboration with colleagues and clients, and a more remote workforce. Further, we realize that less office space will be required as the discontinuation of large gatherings will make conference and board rooms largely a thing of the past.
– Daniel A. Schwartz, Managing Member, CSG
The Wind is Blowing, So Adjust Your Sails
We will need to respect concerns about social distancing, safety and hygiene. I’m reminded of the saying about change, “The pessimist complains about the wind; the optimist expects it to change; the realist adjusts the sails.” We’re adjusting our sails and looking forward to a different, but promising future.
– Theresa Hinton, Director of Member Engagement, NJCPA
