Will COVID-19 Bust These 3 Work Myths?
Coronavirus is sweeping through the US and so are swift changes to corporate work life. As elbow taps replace handshakes, teams go remote, and work travel comes to a screeching halt, here's what I'm watching: will COVID-19 (finally) bust these 3 common workplace myths?
Myth: Hugging at work is standard. This one is a personal struggle for me because I'm a hugger! Though mainstream for most and natural for many, such intimate contact at work can be excruciatingly uncomfortable for some of our colleagues. While the #MeToo movement began a drastic shift in how we think about hugging at work, will COVID-19 finally debunk the myth that hugging in the office is just standard procedure?
Myth: All work travel is essential travel. According to American Express, business travel is a $300 billion industry. While frequent business travel is the norm, it's also expensive and can be draining on employees--whether delayed flights ding productivity or obligatory "team fun" eats into recharge time. So will the forced groundings from COVID-19 finally debunk the myth that all of our work travel is necessary travel?
Myth: Working remotely doesn't work. Millennials have started what Forbes columnist, Heidi Lynne Kurter, calls The Remote Revolution. Despite Gallup research demonstrating that increased remote work directly correlated with increased engagement and performance, a myth persists that remote work will harm culture and productivity. So will the forced teleworking of thousands of employees across the US finally bust this myth? Pro tip: read more from Kat Myers, who heads People Ops at Respondent, a 100% remote company. Don't miss Kat's tips as your team goes remote.
Only time will tell if COVID-19 will indeed bust these myths and what long-term impact it will have on our work culture. Be in touch about what work trends you're watching with COVID-19 and what you're experiencing at work ... after you wash your hands, of course.
Randi Braun is a coach, consultant, speaker, and the Founder of Something Major. Get in touch with Randi via email or social (below). Copyright 2020. All rights reserved.
