Will I Fit in the Modern Office?
Companies and organizations have moved away from a one-size-fits-all traditional office environment. Transformations occurred that affect what employees wear, how they work, where they work, and how their performance is measured. The days of suits and ties, boxy offices, and lots and lots of paper are numbered. Here are a few things that continue to change in the modern-day office setting.
Remote Work and Flexibility
2020 brought many changes to offices and employment. Remote work was once seen as a luxury and quickly became a necessity. Offices faced many challenges and were forced to reevaluate the way business was done. It seems that permanent remote work is here to stay for many, and for others, hybrid work environments between home and the office will become a “norm.”
The rise of telemedicine also became prevalent over this time period. With many closures and limitations in healthcare facilities, telemed positions became more important than ever before. While your job may be in the office, you may need to get used to the idea of working with staff all over the country—and even the world.
Technology and Data
All modern offices rely on computers and technology. If you’re not up-to-speed on the basics of word processing and data entry, you’ll need to become familiar with them right away. You’ll also need to be comfortable with computers and online communication; email to start, but with the rise of remote work, you may also be asked to attend a conference call, pop onto remote meetings, or share your computer screen. The more you use computers now, the better you’ll feel when you enter an office.
Another norm in a modern office is the collection and use of data. Whether your company provides products or services, numerical benchmarks are likely to be used to gauge success. That’s where data comes in. If you can connect some basic dots of information technology, you’ll be a valuable asset to any company. Inventory, sales, performance, billing—all that is tracked with the help of software.
What Does It Mean to Dress for Success?
In years past, this phrase basically meant if you dressed up, you’d be more likely to advance in your career. Put on a power suit, perhaps a tie, brush your hair, and you’ll achieve all you set out to. Not every industry, though, adheres to this kind of dress ideal anymore. In fact, many encourage employees not to. Formal suits for both men and women are often saved for special occasions or important clients. Business casual is common, with some organizations allowing jeans on Friday. What you will be required to wear varies depending on the industry, company, and even location.
Performance Measurement and Assessment
In the old days, office workers often answered to a single boss. Good if you got along with him or her. Not so good if your personalities clashed. That’s because that one person decided whether or not to give you a good review. Today, you’ll still answer to a boss, but your performance should be graded using clearer assessment and metrics. Let’s say you’re in customer service. You answer phones and help solve problems. Technology will determine just how satisfied those customers are. If all your customers are happy, while your co-worker’s are frustrated, your boss will know. All that information is charted and recorded. With enough positive data on your side, it might be time to ask for a raise!
If the modern work environment sounds like the place you want to be, start learning the ropes with career training at Charter College. Charter College prepares students for entry level jobs in a variety of fields. We offer classroom and online learning, and a combination of both so you can learn remotely and during times that best fit your schedule. Fill out the form now to receive additional information.