The Zoom Era
As a software professional, my work has mostly been done remotely for many years. I’ve had a daily routine that really didn’t change when this pandemic hit. But as I talk to people, I am definitely in the minority. So many people were in the habit of commuting to an office as their “hub.” My hub has been my house for about 5 years.
As many are saying, companies have invested to properly outfit the tech to get their employees productive at home. This new reality is going to be a paradigm shift for just about any business that is office-centered. I think what we’ll see is a 50/50 model, where employees work from home half the week. This shift will likely change the commercial real estate requirements, but maybe not for another year until the new norm is played out. Of course, there are side benefits like lower emissions, less accidents, better quality of life.
The same pattern goes for e-learning. The school paradigm was designed in the industrial era when kids needed to be occupied outside the home for 7–8 hours. There’s never been a better opportunity to change the school paradigm. My thought is 33/33/33. About 33% of the week in a classroom. 33% collaborating out of the classroom (or sports) and 33% at home. Not only will this help the child learn in a modern fashion, it will help with overcrowded schools. There is a enormous opportunity to teach kids self-discipline. A routine that they need to be accountable for themselves 33% of the time. This pattern will develop organizational and time management skills, which is one key area a lot of kids lack.
I’ve felt the benefits of working remote and being responsible for a productive routine and it’s helped me immensely. I believe we can drive a long-term positive outcome from this Government-mandated quarantine.
