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By Doug Collins

One Man's Opinion

COLLINS: Shift in workplace dynamics will have huge spinoff effects

May 26, 2023 | 5:30 AM

MOST OF US HAVE HEARD THE OLD ADAGE, probably in science class, that goes, “For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction.” That statement is no more clearly evidenced than by the wholesale changes in workplace dynamics. These shifts have changed more than just how we think about our jobs. They affect many areas of our lives, and indeed could change our lives in both positive and negative ways.

New studies reported this week show that it is likely some hybrid type of workplace that will emerge over the next few years. It will likely mean workers will go into the office a couple of days a week, and work from home the rest.

For some, that’s good. Not so for others. I can’t cover every spinoff in one commentary, but here are a few thoughts.

It will take a disciplined person to work from home. Studies show many people are more productive working from home, but only if you’re not easily distracted. If the kids are making noise in another room, and you’re constantly wondering what they’re getting into, or deciding it’s time for a break so you can play video games, not so productive.

You save on daycare, but what does that do for daycare operators who plan their small businesses around steady customers who bring their kids Monday through Friday? What does it do for the downtown whose survival heavily relies on walk-in traffic, particularly lunchtime traffic? We can already see pictures of downtowns in many cities barren of foot traffic. Many small businesses won’t survive. You’ll save huge parking costs, which is a big plus, but the face of business will change. Developers will not want to have high-priced properties going vacant because business owners will need less space with fewer workers.

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And the camaraderie and team building that takes place when you’re face-to-face with fellow workers is highly diminished. Despite increases in technology, nothing beats a face-to-face meeting. It can’t happen in some cases, but where it can, it’s the best way to team build, something that will be lost when no one is in the office.

I am not against remote work but I think we should all be aware it’s not as easy as it appears on the surface. It will no doubt affect not only our jobs, but our whole way of dealing with others.

And those changes may not be for the better in the long run. While the immediate action may seem great, the opposite reaction may not be as exciting as we might think. If we become too insular, it will change relationships with friends and acquaintances. It conceivably could affect everything we do. And that’s reality.

It won’t happen overnight — but over a couple of generations? Just do some thinking before you do the “happy dance.”

I’m Doug Collins and that’s One Man’s Opinion.

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Editor’s Note: This opinion piece reflects the views of its author, and does not necessarily represent the views of CFJC Today or Pattison Media.