The Pandemic that this world had witnessed was unprecedented and unexpected.
Never before did something like this bring the whole world to a standstill and that
too for consecutive years. When it comes to the workplace environment, this
Pandemic brought in many changes to the style and approach of the functioning of
various corporates. In this article, we shall discuss how the work culture would
change going forward. 

Work-Life Balance
According to a survey conducted on September 2021 by Prathidhwani, welfare
organization of IT employees in Kerala, 53% of the employees preferred a hybrid
model of work. 36% of employees preferred work from home option whereas only
11% preferred the work from office setup. The survey includes around 3000 IT
employees working in IT companies of Technopark, Infopark, and Cyberpark IT
campuses of Kerala. 
 
More than 60% of the employees mentioned that their work-life balance has
improved after the implementation of the Work from Home model. The working
hours, on the other hand, have increased considerably as per the information
provided by a majority of the employees.

From this survey, we can interpret that many employees have got adjusted to the new
working style. This Pandemic scenario has allowed family members to come together
and share joy and happiness with each other.
 
Flexible Workspace 
My father used to work in the Accounts Department. He used to narrate to us
regularly how he along with his colleague used to work at the same desk in the same
office for 20 years. I also know a few of my ex-colleagues who used to work in the
same company and on the same project for many years.  

Sometimes I used to wonder how the life of those people would be when they keep
doing the same kind of work at the same place for many years. Surely they would be
able to master the role and the skills that they are playing, but it would bring less
change and variety to their lives. 

This pandemic however brought in a big change to the life of an IT Professional. On
the negative side, it reduced the physical interaction we used to have with our
colleagues and friends within the campus. However, on the positive side, we are left
with a choice to decide our workplace. We may choose to work in our home, our in
law's home, our relative's home, or even any other place where there is good network
connectivity. 

There is also uncertainty on the mode of operation of the IT companies going
forward. Whether it would be work from home, work from the office, or a hybrid
model of work is still uncertain. However, one thing is certain that this pandemic 

situation has brought in a lot of adaptability and flexibility in the working style of the
professionals.  
 
The Human nature 
The best part about humans is that when they are challenged, they come out with
their best. Many times we have seen great people in history who came out with flying
colors when they had their back to the walls. This Pandemic has taught a lesson to
mankind to become humble and to give primary importance to health. It has also
given man yet another opportunity to introduce futuristic and innovative ideas to
this world for the benefit of everyone. 
 
Digital Technologies 
Every business is now moving towards the digital space. For an entrepreneur, the
whole world is like a sea of opportunities to tap into and explore. Having a fully-
fledged website and an efficient ECommerce platform is essential if you would like
your business to succeed in the market. Having integrated automated systems within
the existing business is good for reaching out to potential customers. 
 
The Power of the Internet  
Make the best use of the Internet. Know more about the websites and apps that are
doing well in the market today. Know the purpose served by each one of them.
Evaluate how those apps can benefit you in shaping up your career. Look for
opportunities to reskill yourself. Nowadays the companies themselves provide a lot of
learning opportunities in the Online mode. Make the best use of the Online training
from the comfort of your home. Open up new pathways in your career that could
benefit you in the long run. 
 
The Unorganized Job sector 
This Pandemic has affected the unorganized job sector in a big way. Our sympathies
go out to those low-skilled workers who are affected by the pandemic. These people
are doing everything that they can to look after their family members. To help this
category of people, we have to make efforts to spread awareness, information, and
news related to job opportunities to these people. They have to be educated to join
certain job sites, social media groups from where they would get proper information
related to new jobs and opportunities. If there are people who are not aware of how
to use smartphones or computers, then they should be given free sessions on how to
use certain apps on the mobile or a computer by those who would like to volunteer. 
 
Socializing holds the key 
Nowadays you see statements in the media like - Together we shall win. Teamwork
and Collaboration is the key to success. Be in regular touch with your teammates and office mates. 

When we become part of a team or a social group, we get the benefit to learn 

a lot of new things from the members. We also get a
chance to share our knowledge and ideas with other members. Teamwork,
volunteering, and social service are also important activities that are taken up by the
social groups. Along with our personal development, we are also ensuring the
development of other people in our group and society. The development of society
marks the beginning of the progression of our state and our nation. 
 
Moving forward with Technology 
We have seen that technology is ever-expanding. As we seem to have got a foothold
in one technology, there comes another technology or a new version of it. We must
become aware of every new technology atleast at a high level. The purpose and
benefit of every technology need to be understood. Learn how the new technology
would help you with your career or business before adopting and applying it to your
work. The lockdown scenario has given enough opportunities to attend online
training by which a person can keep up-to-date with the latest trends in technologies
and the happenings of the IT industry.  
 
Conclusion
The work culture is set to change in the upcoming months. Whether we like it or not,
let us adapt and be flexible to this new culture and try to come out with our best
during these times. There is a hidden opportunity in every situation. Let us explore
the possibilities brought in during this current work environment and make the best
use of them for the benefit of everyone. The world will certainly overcome this
pandemic for good. Let us play our part to support each other during these times.