1. Government Gets More Connected to Citizens
Governments exist to serve the public. So, when buildings were forced to close or severely limit operations, IT agencies had to support not only a remote workforce but a public whose needs do not stop simply because doors are closed. Government agencies discovered many positive outcomes after strengthening online services in response.
For example, required public meetings have gone virtual, and local governments have found the virtual format has led to a huge increase in participation from many who would not otherwise travel to a municipal center. Online services have grown in popularity given the convenience of being able to take care of business around the clock. Local government social media channels have been better tuned toward more frequent information messaging and two-way communication.
Whether they are for internal management or public-facing activities, virtual meetings have demonstrated that video collaboration will continue to grow.
2. Agencies Look to Hybrid Work Setups for Users
Many local government employees have overwhelmingly begun to appreciate and value the opportunity to work remotely — usually from home. Public managers have been pleased by the increased productivity, while employees are happy with the flexibility afforded to them. Many employees have shared that they work much longer hours — but not necessarily compressed into a single time block. They appreciate not having to commute, and they save money on gas and parking too.
There are some notable downsides: a lack of separation between work and family can lead to premature burnout. Some who have young, school-age children at home find themselves battling for private space and have had to compete at times with limited broadband . Others without strong family support find themselves more alienated.
Looking to the future, there will be a need to provide a hybrid approach for work: Some work best from home and others at a safe office environment. Ultimately, senior public mangers will rethink office space requirements and future leases. Employees may find staggered schedules work best to share limited space, while others will remain an essential component of an accountable virtual workforce.
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3. Governments Are Re-examining Digital Equity
The great pivot toward a virtual environment has further exposed the growing digital divide in the form of access, affordability and availability. Many residents find themselves at a great disadvantage not having reliable access to broadband, and local governments have recently taken extraordinary steps to apply remedies.