Since the world is suffering from the naval coronavirus and its evolution – from delta to omnicoron, makes one wonder whether our evolution, existence, and destruction to our mother earth are related; seemed relevant right! Hysterical statements aside, the world seemed to be in danger. The entire humanity has been in a global pandemic for two long years with multiple vaccination shots that have failed to prevent the virus. The sensible and most effective solution to date is distancing and isolation. Although it is tough and getting harder every day but when it comes to survival we have to adapt to it.
In such situations, we should keep the masks on, restrict unnecessary commute, get vaccinated or booster shots, and maintain proper hygiene to save ourselves and others. No doubt that it is challenging and putting a lot of toll on the socio-economic depression. Businesses, especially startups are getting affected. Lockdowns and smart lockdowns have started shutting down small businesses and even if we survive the pandemic there is no way of surviving poverty.
Meta and Virtual offices for the rescue:
For the survival of small to medium-sized businesses, socio-economic apparatus, and another source of revenue, many companies and small businesses are now forced to opt for a virtual office. Moreover, some are even considering and leveraging Meta by Facebook. Virtual offices are a new way that can give some breather and enable the business to start the operational activity. However, this abrupt and unexpected transformation of corporate culture is affecting and producing mixed outcomes on normal régimes of employees and employers. So far very little research has been done on the physical and psychological and behavioral changes of the employees. It is too early for anyone to say how it will shape the world, but whatever it will be it is going to be the new normal.
What is next?
It is the need of the hour to identify and study the long-term and short-term effects of the virtual office. This new office culture is going to impact professional, social, and personal life balance in the overall world. It is also going to impact underdeveloped and developing countries. One can also wonder how it will impact modern societies and the ones which are still too backward and deprived. How different genders will be impacted, what will happen to the conventional and modern movements like racism, sexism, feminism, and God knows what more?
According to research being conducted in Sri Lanka, these changes are worth mentioning. The research is done using the quantitative methodology of scientific study, where the researchers are trying to measure the physical, social and socio-economic impacts on our current human interactive apparatus.
Purpose of the research:
Researchers have formalized a questionnaire which is to target a broader audience online. Their purpose is to collect data, target the primarily distributed to corporate employees on the social and the virtual platform. Analytical results of this research are based on three revisioning models and outcomes will be determined that both employed and non-working settings have highly impacted on the work and life balance of individuals. Findings have concluded that social outcomes will be useful and one of a kind. This research aims to empower both companies and workforces to espouse a more focused method to yield maximum outcomes from the virtual office culture. Moreover, it is the adoption and implementation of this new culture to enhance workers’ well-being that will mutually benefit and can be materialized and gained for both.
Conclusion of the research:
The virtual office culture and style have had an impact on the personal lives of the employees and also caused a decrease in their productivity. As the employees are not able to interact with the company directly, they feel unseen and unheard by the company. Moreover, employees are intended to be more productive if they feel that their company trusts, recognized, and cares for them – which are challenging to achieve with a remote office Lastly, the home, workplace, and relaxed place – all are one for the employee. There has to be an escape from the daily tiring routine so that employees do not feel hostage in their own homes. Aside from this, the company should make sure that their workers are provided with the best resources, such as laptops, internet, etc. so that they can enjoy a good working astrosphere. A good workstation is a boost to productivity and also an escape from the regular work from home feeling.
We cannot deny the lessons that we learn from the Sri Lankan study, where it emphasizes separating the work and personal life. Meta world or virtual offices are the exact opposite of these healthy boundaries. If virtual reality is the future, students should be taught from a very young age how to keep their mental health intact while they work remotely or from home.
