Riding on the growing digital technology
would be like to be working from home, and not being chained to their desks at their workplaces. This is the ideal working culture that would promote work-life balance for every individual. On another note, the World Health Organisation has issued a document giving advice on how organisations should prepare their workplaces to prevent the spread of covid-19, as well as how to plan for meetings and business travels. Working from home during the containment period is a full-time effort, apart from those who are involved in essential industries and services. ‘Working offsite’, ‘working remotely’, ‘working from home’, ‘telecommuting’, ‘freelance economy’: they all relate to working from a location away from the official building of the organisation which one is employed. These terms can also fall under the classification of the gig economy, which is defined as ‘a free market system in which traditional businesses hire independent contractors, freelancers, and short-term workers to perform individual tasks, assignments, or jobs’. It is fascinating to note that this term originated from the world of the performing arts where individual performances by musicians, comedians, singers etc. are called “gigs.” However, it needs to be emphasised that with a gig economy, it is already stated in the employment contract of the individual. Working from home can constitute that but can also be a result of the organisation’s decision to encourage work-life-balance for its employees, or as what is currently happening where most employees are required to do so as part of social distancing practices. Therefore, if we have dreamed of this and the pandemic has somehow made our dream come true, will this be one of the new norms to remain well beyond the movement control order? Will it be the lifestyle we will be adopting?
“…WORK IS SOMETHING PEOPLE DO, NOT A PLACE THEY GO. THROUGH MOBILE WORKSTYLES, WORK CAN BE EFFORTLESSLY SHIFTED ACROSS PEOPLE, LOCATIONS, DEVICES AND TIME. IT’S ALSO A SHIFT IN FUNDAMENTAL THINKING.”
CITRIX
Working from home is telecommuting. Telecommuting requires reliable digital platforms as enablers. Digital tools for communication have been revolutionised even prior to Covid-19. Lux Research has reported on a number of digital tools that can enable a seamless and efficient working experience in the comfort of our homes, for communication, collaboration, and management. For communication, there appears to be tools to change the background and to reduce noise disturbances. There are alsoAI tools that can be used during video conferences to the extent of taking meeting notes, recording minutes of meeting, and even to analyse the emotions of a participant from their vocal intonations! The employee can also use an artificial intelligent application to manage their meetings and work schedules.
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Malaysian Technology Strategic Outlook 2019/2020 Intergration of High Technology
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