We frequently consider the repercussions of COVID-19 in aspects of statistics: the unemployment percentage, routine infections, and so on. However, the undefinable adjustments in the lives of a vast number of American workers have been equally substantial. As we transitioned from workplaces to large-scale remote work, their communications with coworkers changed dramatically almost overnight.

As so many of us are still learning about this transition’s sociocultural and cognitive ramifications, there are numerous avenues for employees to adjust to a new age of remote work. Recognize the function of emotional intelligence (EI), which is characterized as the potential to fathom and maintain one’s emotional responses while also comprehending the emotional states of others. While some forms of EI (including the potential to decipher nonverbal cues) have been restricted, the modifications that staff members are undergoing have made EI even more important.

Why EI Is Vital in The Workplace

All staff members in the leanest corporate cultures are treated as highly prized stakeholder groups, with their considerations and viewpoints held to account. As a result, empathy is among the most valuable qualities that leaders and other coworkers can possess. 

Employees are more likely to be involved when they feel acknowledged because they understand their efforts are attempting to make a difference, and the corporation is looking out for their best interests. There’s a common notion that workforce with a higher IQ can be beneficial in the long run. However, Christian Espinosa in his book reveals that IQ and EI should work in tandem for teams to fully function accordingly.

EI Is Still Needed for Remote Workers

EI may seem less essential than before at a time when in-person conversations have declined dramatically, but this is not the case. The switchover to remote work has only magnified the structural issues with workplace cultural contexts in the United States (including a failure to engage). So many workers now feel distanced from their coworkers. This has not only made their professions more stressful, but it has also had adverse emotional effects.

One of the most important aspects of EI is consciousness. When employees maintain consistent interaction in the workplace, it is simple for them to check in on each other and offer interpersonal support when needed. However, when these conversations are limited to phone conversations, email messages, and Zoom conferences, it becomes much more complicated to identify when individuals require help and support (or to simply maintain healthy relationships). This is why, throughout the disease outbreak, management and staff should be assertive and use the entire scope of their EI.

How Emotional Intelligence Can Shape the Future of Remote Work

Even though remote work has been strenuous and alienating for several people employed, it also provides possibilities. It enables employees to begin taking oversight of their workplaces and allows logistics-related challenges such as work travel to be more doable. 

Employees now have unparalleled direct exposure to electronic connectivity and coordination toolkits, thanks to COVID-19, which has compelled businesses to embrace these technologies — in many situations, much faster than they would otherwise have. It’s not surprising that, as per the latest PwC study, 72 percent of office employees would like to work remotely at least two days each week once the global epidemic has passed.

Conclusion

In the presence of a prolonged downturn, cultivating EI requires a mindful and continuous exertion. Managing our thoughts, emotions, and connections in the workplace is much less straightforward and more difficult without customary physical encounters and sensory cues. Yet, it is more vital now than ever — specially to make a breakthrough in the company.

In his new book, Managing Director of Cerberus Sentinel, Christian Espinosa discusses the importance of emotional intelligence within a workforce. He believes that with only emotional intelligence, organizations can unlock their true potential. Want to know more about the role of emotional intelligence in organizations and Christian Espinosa’s efforts? Visit his website today!

Want to know more about Christian Espinosa and his book? Visit his website or any of his social media channels (Facebook, Twitter)