New normal needs a new mindset and a new approach. “We sense that ‘normal’ isn’t coming back, that we are being born into a new normal: a new kind of society, a new relationship to the earth, a new experience of being human.” – Charles Eisenstein

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought various changes in the world of work and made us all reflect on things we were doing wrong till now. The time has allowed us to stop, retrospect and rethink our conventional way of working for a better future. Although the fight with the pandemic continues, the majority of businesses are prepared to embrace the new normal and work on the required areas. Here are five key areas that form a new normal and will be on the list of top concerns of all the business leaders and employers.

Environment
The only bright side to the pandemic is – cleaner and healthy environment. While we all are happy breathing in clean air than ever before, it’s our responsibility to protect the same in the future.

The need for good health and safety will urge us to rethink office spaces and workplace culture in a manner that is eco-friendly and energy-saving. Also, the organizations need to furnish new workplace practices, including a better work-from-home policy and a strong communication approach, to support the future of work and new normal.

Technology
The advanced technology and digitalization played a major role in the successful transition from a full-time office job to work from home. Thus, the post-COVID world must incorporate more robust technology and digital infrastructure to strengthen both physical and virtual workspaces.

Also, keeping the rapid use of tools and technology in mind, it’s important to not overlook cybersecurity and data protection.

Work Efficacy
The conventional methods of measuring productivity and performance will no more be effective and the leaders need to incorporate more promising systems to assess work efficacy. Since the productivity enhances with increased flexibility and work-life balance, this will be a fundamental shift post coronavirus.

Moreover, the overall wellbeing of the employees is going to be the deciding factor for productivity.

Mental Wellbeing
This is the talk of the town and is seen to be gaining a lot of recognition and consideration among everyone. Employee morale and mental wellbeing should be the prime focus of all – the leading businesses, small-to-medium enterprises and start-ups. Acknowledging the problems and fears of your people is what we need to adapt to establish the new normal.

Talent Pool
Talent retention and upskilling are going to be two key elements of talent development. Also, the HR practices must include identifying the critical roles and skills and the best way to fill such positions.

Most importantly, the compensation and rewards plan must be modified to fit the new normal and future of work. All these issues will take a front seat in the post-lockdown world and would help us achieve business goals more effectively.