Reshaping my working style

Hi everyone, I hope you are staying safe! As COVID-19 is still spreading all over the world, people keep facing difficulties and companies are trying to reshape the way we work. Every country is implementing their own set of measures and restrictions. 

In Japan, wearing masks in public has always been a natural way of preventing various viruses and diseases, but right now it is widespread. Walking around the city after the lockdown finished, I even found a statue in front of a department store wearing a mask - I couldn't help but take a picture!

Everyone is wearing masks

As the nursery schools were closed and children were staying at home, parents had to navigate between working from home and childcare – it took me a bit of trial and error to make it work. Being a working mother has always presented it’s challenges and in the current situation it requires more organisational skills than ever. I am adapting to the new arrangements and curious to see what the future will bring and how my working style will further change.

In terms of working style, the big change is that while the office has opened, most of our colleagues in Japan are still working from home. All large-scale in-person training sessions have been moved to an online format. The office is fully equipped with disinfectants and masks. To maintain social distancing, there is a limited number of desks and chairs available for use, and there are plastic screens to separate tables in the cafeteria. Despite all the changes and restrictions, we are staying positive and trying to adjust to the “new normal” with the right level of productivity.

Our office cafeteria

McKinsey recently published a report on what Japan's future work style will look like. One of the interesting points is that automation is key to keep sustainably grow Japan's GDP. This report provides a lot of interesting insights, so do have a look if you are a Japanese speaker!

Stay safe and till next time!
Emiri