The Emergence of a New Economy Is Changing the Way We Think About Work

For many of us, work before the global pandemic was ripe with flexibility. Now, it is characterized by inhibition and restraint. How often did we think twice about entering a social or public setting, such as a grocery store, or about shaking someone’s hand? New work models will place a focus on human-to-human contact, as well as sanitation. Work for many occupations will include a new factor, namely, social distancing. Maximum occupancy, usually regarded as a fire safety, within a building or room could be reduced. Office cubicles may have to be redesigned to incorporate this new factor. Staggering work hours would be another idea to limit contact. In buildings or rooms without opening windows, such as a court setting, ventilation will be important. For the foreseeable future, employees will be asked or given the option to work from home.

Technology

Video and conference call services, such as Zoom, will be ubiquitous and used by remote workers, or even used in-house to contact clients. Antivirus software or firewalls are a must for those who have brought their work P.C.s home or are doing work on their personal laptops, where sensitive information will be stored

Distancing

What would have been a client arriving for an appointment will now be one over the computer. In waiting rooms, such as in doctors’ offices, furniture such as extended sofas might have to be replaced with individual chairs to disincentivize crowding. The concept of space will be centered on maximizing distance. This will in turn lead interior designers to think about how to achieve this without adding more square feet to a room.

Ordering food online and delivery services will increase in popularity, as opposed to pick-up. Delivery drivers will be an increasing occupational sector. Those who were previously taking public transportation will now vie to acquire a vehicle or use ride-sharing apps to get to their destination. Janitorial services have also increased in importance. Anything that can be done remotely and electronically, whether it be work, or using a service, is a priority. Telehealth services are a relatively new but a growing industry. Freelancing and self-employment is also set to explode. With these in mind, new possibilities and methods are actively being constructed in almost all occupations.