Hive is a powerful, all-in-one project management solution that serves as a centralised hub for remote work at places such as Google and Starbucks, deploying more than 1,000 integrations with apps like Zoom and other leading technology tools. Here, Hive sets out six key trends set to transform the world of work:
1. Increasingly flexible work schedules as remote becomes more widespread among traditionally in-office personnel
The coronavirus global health crisis has shown working remotely can be highly efficient just as long as the basic tech tools, including a place to collaborate, good quality video chat and secure email software, are in place. Using a host of well-known integrations such as Google Drive, Dropbox and Zoom, Hive’s flexible project management tech helps keep teams connected and empowered, making remote work a real possibility for millions.
2. Drastically reduced in-person meetings
Seamless integration between tried-and-tested technologies such as Zoom and Hive make it easy to communicate, collaborate and execute on complex tasks even when separated or socially distanced from colleagues. Remote meetings can actually be more effective than face-to-face in cutting down unnecessary input, sorting out the main action points and talking things through without distractions. Prepared in advance, they can also speed up post-meeting follow-through. Zoom is, for good reason, already a highly popular video and audio-conferencing facility while Hive’s meeting notes feature has become essential for both keeping records during virtual get-togethers and assigning each team member’s next steps.
3. Increase in usage of single platform project management tools to empower workers and drive productivity
Multi-function project management tools have taken on a new role as remote powerhouses behind an organisation’s entire workflow process. Services such as Hive enable colleagues to communicate, share files and collaborate while also connecting them to a multitude of other key tools such as Salesforce and Jira. This crucial integration to specialist add-ons allows one tool such as Hive to act as a single, centralised and streamlined hub.
4. Move away from full-time employment towards independent contractors
The move towards a more flexible employee ecosystem may pre-date coronavirus, but the pace of change is now picking up across all industries and markets. Abrupt migration to remote work has shown it’s entirely possible to get more done without the physical presence of teammates. As organisations trial three or four-day working weeks, and decreased salaries, many people are looking for freelance work to supplement basic income. In the future, individuals will spread their skills across multiple organisations, leaving employers to manage their human resources across a mixed terrain of permanent, contract and gig workers.
Multi-function project management tools have taken on a new role as remote powerhouses behind an organisation’s entire workflow process
5. Increased investment in employee training and retention
With the financial future increasingly uncertain, staff need to feel empowered and productive, rather than alone and unsupported. Trusting employees to manage their own workload without direct in-person supervision helps foster a sense of community and mutual trust. Opportunities for continued education will become more vital, as will internal implementation of “skip levels” where managers build rapport with people who don’t directly report to them.
6. Pivot to a holistic approach to employee happiness and increase in mental health resources
It’s more important than ever to keep lines of communication open between employees, managers and leaders. Companies have shown great initiative with a number of organisations offering discounts for mental health resources, such as virtual therapy or virtual meditation, which can be practised from remote locations. Staying in touch with the workforce via video chat, mail or mobile, listening to their concerns, and equipping them to identify and manage their own stress will help strengthen both individuals and the larger organisation going forward.
For more information please visit hive.com
