The pandemic has forced many companies to adopt remote work policies, and many offices are considering long-term or permanent shifts to remote work. But, what will the transition to remote work look like? In many ways, the bumps and challenges have already been addressed during the early onset of the pandemic, but offices that plan to adopt permanent remote work policies will likely need to also adopt more technology tools and support and new office designs for fewer employees.

"I expect there will be a permanent shift to remote working for many people depending on their industry. This was a trend we were already experiencing before COVID-19 that has been accelerated because of the pandemic," Cindy Cooke, SVP at Colliers International, tells GlobeSt.com. "Many individuals flourish working remotely, however, some are more productive working in an office environment that provides structure and camaraderie. As companies continue to embrace remote working, I anticipate changes in office designs, especially those that adapt to having fewer employees in the office at the same time and those that prioritize employee health and safety precautions."

Technology has played an essential role in the transition to remote work. Companies that had already embraced technology were better prepared to shift to remote work during the pandemic. In addition to virtual communication tools, like Zoom, offices also needed to boost server systems and remote access to files. "The revolution of the tech industry truly saved many businesses during this pandemic," adds Cooke. "Thankfully, we were working remotely prior to COVD-19 so many tech services were already in place. The first area in need of improvement were the Internet capabilities. In a very short period of time there was a huge demand from people working from home to schools and students, so much so that several times our virtual presentations or Zoom meetings were interrupted due to intermittent internet coverage. Quick, efficient access to all files remotely and the ability to collaborate with staff quickly became an essential need for not just staff but also colleagues and clients."