Navigating the New Normal in Australian Workplaces

By Dr. Hinze Hogendoorn

‍

As Australia continues to adapt to the new normal of hybrid and remote work, both employers and employees face ongoing challenges in finding common ground. The COVID-19 pandemic not only disrupted our daily routines, but also warped our perception of time, leaving many with a sense of disorientation that persists even as we move forward. Understanding how the pandemic has affected our sense of time and how it continues to impact businesses is crucial for navigating this evolving landscape.

‍

The Pandemic’s Impact on Time Perception

When the COVID-19 pandemic first took hold in March 2020, it brought with it an unprecedented level of disruption. Across Australia, particularly in Victoria, the repeated cycles of lockdowns and reopenings created a sense of time-warp that many likened to jetlag. This phenomenon wasn't just a figment of imagination; it was a real cognitive effect rooted in how our brains perceive time.

‍

Unlike our senses of sight or hearing, which rely on external stimuli like light or sound, the brain cannot directly measure time. There is no "time particle" that our brain can detect. Instead, our sense of time is constructed through experiences - events that serve as mental landmarks. These landmarks help structure our internal timeline, allowing us to gauge the passage of time.

‍

When we encounter new, intense, or memorable experiences, our perception of time stretches. For instance, the first few days of a holiday in a new place often feel longer because everything is novel. Similarly, traumatic or frightening events, such as a car accident or an extreme sport like skydiving, can cause time to feel like it has slowed down.

‍

The early days of the pandemic were marked by such intense and unfamiliar experiences. The sudden onset of a global health crisis, the rapid implementation of lockdowns, and the constant stream of news about rising infection rates and changing regulations created a heightened state of alertness. This led many to feel like time had slowed down, as each day brought new challenges and uncertainties.

‍

The Blurring of Time During Lockdowns

As the pandemic wore on, the initial shock gave way to a different kind of time distortion. Lockdowns, while necessary to curb the spread of the virus, stripped away the daily routines that typically anchor our sense of time. The commute to work, the school drop-off, office hours, shopping trips, dining out, and gym sessions - all of these activities that once marked the passage of days and weeks were suddenly gone.

‍

For those working from home, the boundaries between work-time and home-time blurred. The absence of a clear transition between the workweek and the weekend made it difficult to distinguish one day from the next. With no commute to signal the start and end of the workday, many found themselves working longer hours, further contributing to the sense of time slipping away.

‍

This monotony, combined with the lack of distinct daily events, made time seem to pass slowly in the moment. However, when looking back, many people found that larger chunks of time appeared to have flown by, because there were few memorable experiences to anchor those days. This paradox - where time feels slow in the moment but fast in hindsight - became a common experience during the pandemic.

‍

The Challenge of Planning Ahead

Another significant disruption to our sense of time was the inability to plan for the future. The pandemic introduced a level of uncertainty that made it difficult, if not impossible, to look beyond the immediate present. With jobs at risk, schools shifting between in-person and remote learning, and constantly changing government regulations, planning even mundane activities became a challenge.

‍

This uncertainty left many feeling like they were living day-to-day, unable to focus on long-term goals or make plans beyond the next government press conference. The experience was akin to walking in the dark with a flashlight pointed at your feet. You could only see what was immediately in front of you, with no sense of the bigger picture.

‍

For many, this inability to plan also meant postponing or missing out on significant life events like weddings, vacations, graduations, and birthday parties. These milestones, which typically serve as landmarks in our perception of time, were put on hold or cancelled altogether. The result was a feeling that life was on pause, even as time continued to slip away.

‍

The Ongoing Impact on Australian Businesses

As Australia transitions to a post-pandemic world, hybrid and remote work arrangements are becoming more common. While these models offer flexibility, they also present new challenges for both employers and employees. The pandemic's impact on our perception of time continues to influence how we work, how we plan, and how we interact with one another.

‍

For businesses, one challenge lies in finding ways to maintain productivity, engagement, and a sense of connection among employees who are no longer physically present in the office. The blurring of work-life boundaries, which many experienced during lockdowns, can lead to burnout if not properly managed. Employers need to be mindful of this and implement strategies that support work-life balance, even in a remote or hybrid environment.

‍

Moreover, the sense of time-warp experienced during the pandemic has made it clear that traditional methods of measuring productivity and success may no longer be sufficient. Businesses need to adopt more flexible and innovative approaches to managing their teams, setting goals, and evaluating performance.

‍

For employees, the challenge is in adapting to a new way of working that may lack the structure and routine they were once accustomed to. The blurred lines between work and home can make it difficult to switch off, leading to increased stress and a feeling of being constantly "on." Finding ways to create boundaries, establish routines, and maintain a sense of normalcy in a hybrid or remote work environment is crucial for long-term well-being.

‍

Moving Forward: Finding Common Ground

As we continue to navigate this new landscape, it is essential for that employers and employees find common ground. Open communication, flexibility, and a willingness to adapt are key to making hybrid and remote work successful. Employers need to be open to feedback and ready to adjust their strategies as needed, while employees must take responsibility for managing their own work-life balance.

‍

The pandemic has changed the way we perceive time, and the way we work. While we may eventually recover from the time-warped memories of 2020, the lessons learned during this period will continue to shape the future of work in Australia. By embracing these changes and finding ways to work together, businesses and employees can create a more resilient, flexible, and productive work environment in the years to come.

‍

Dr. Hinze Hogendoorn

Professor of Cognitive Neuroscience

ARC Future Fellow | Director, Research Academy for Cognition, Brain and Behaviour

Queensland University of Technology

‍

Interested in booking Dr. Hinze Hogendoorn for a deep dive into the fascinating world of consciousness, perception, and the brain? Whether you want to explore the nature of time, understand the science of attention, or unravel the complexities of human behaviour, Dr. Hogendoorn's insights will leave your audience enlightened and inspired.Secure your session now to unlock the secrets of the mind and apply cutting-edge neuroscience to your personal and professional life. Reach out today to book Dr. Hinze Hogendoorn for your next event.

‍