What if "the new normal" doesn't feel all that normal?

In the wake of the global COVID-19 pandemic, more companies are returning to doing business face to face. But make no mistake: things aren't going to be exactly like they were before.

So what does the future of face to face business look like, and how can your business use this to your advantage? Keep reading to discover the answers!

The New "Face To Face"

More and more businesses may be returning to face to face meetings. However, the average business meeting is going to look a bit different in the future.

This is because the new norm for businesses will be conducting hybrid meetings. In such a meeting, some of the participants will be there in the flesh and some will be connecting remotely.

Hybrid meetings are a necessity because some still have lingering concerns about their health. Additionally, many businesses have discovered they can save a lot of money by letting teams work remotely instead of spending money on an expensive office space lease each month.

Reading the Room

If you're reading this, chances are you are eager and ready for a return to these face to face meetings. But how do the rest of your employees feel?It's important to survey employees about who will be able to make it to a face to face meeting, who will need hybrid accommodations, and so on. The last thing you want to do is prepare for a huge in-person meeting and then hardly anyone shows up!

Additionally, it's good to keep open lines of communication with all of your employees throughout the year. This may help you gauge when to hold a big meeting and when to simply send an email.

The Need For Protocol

Those returning to face to face meetings are going to have many questions. Will coming back to the office require proof of COVID-19 vaccination or a negative test? Will masks be required, and will your meeting allow people to sit at least six feet apart?

Before requesting a meeting, your business needs to think about these matters and then develop a protocol. If you do not develop and communicate such a protocol, then some employees may feel unsafe during business meetings or other events and be that much less productive.

Reinforcing Dress Code

Does your office have a strict dress code? Here's some bad news: if you're bringing remote workers back into the fold, it may take a few tries to get them back in the swing of dressing for work.

That's because remote work allows your best workers to do an amazing job while working in pyjamas or boxer shorts. If these employees are returning to the office after a long break, then they may need some transition time before returning to wearing a suit and tie to every meeting!

Your Next Move

Now you know that the future of face to face business means finding a compromise between in-person and remote work. But do you know who can help you find that balance?

Here at Mobivate, we specialize in technology to keep you connected with both employees and with customers. To discover the difference our products can make, check out our virtual phone app today!