One of the most innovative scientific ideas today is reviving extinct species: the mammoth, the laughing owl, and the carrier pigeon. In all, thousands of species have gone extinct in the last 100 years.
But becoming extinct is not always a bad thing. As I pondered the idea of extinction and change, I made a list of some things that have gone extinct in today’s office.
- Ashtrays
- A real person answering the phone
- Rolodex
- Huge, cumbersome computer monitors
- Palm Pilots
- Overhead projectors
- Hat racks
- Blackboards and whiteboards (replaced by keyboards and interactive displays)
The pandemic has provided new lessons. Here are some things that have almost disappeared since 2020:
- Required face to face time with the boss
- Suits
- Laser pointers
- Your own cubicle
- Desks with chairs (Have you heard about the standing-desk revolution?)
- USB flash drives
- Using sticky notes for reminders
- The corner office for managers/executives (The new corner office is “I’m working from home.”)
- Standard working hours
Work as we knew it before 2020 will never be the same. Organizations are breaking old habits and learning new ones. They are creating a better work experience with improved collaboration and productivity. There will be more focus on health and wellness. Work location will be more flexible. Employers will show off their company culture like never before.
Companies that are clinging to the “old ways” are leaking skilled employees.
What’s gone extinct in your company? What do you need to do to keep up with the times?
The road is easier together,