Remote working was once a niche specialty, only used by tech-savvy and freelancers. But in recent years, it has become a mainstream approach that businesses from all industries and sizes have started to adopt. A global pandemic (COVID-19) struck, and all businesses worldwide had to implement new practices of remote work overnight. At first a makeshift solution, virtually all businesses quickly incorporated these practices even after lockdown and quarantine restrictions were lifted. Remote work has become a trend that revolutionized many of the paradigms about employability, team building, and even (like sleep is lol) work-life balance.
The drivers of remote work adoption.
- Advances in Technology: Apps like Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Slack, and Asana keep teams connected and productive wherever they are. Remote access over high-speed internet, mobile power applications, and the ability to store work in safe online environments finally removed barriers that had previously prevented remote work. With this in place, employees can work together on projects from practically anywhere, accessing business data remotely and participating in virtual meetings.
- Remote work and Work-life balance: Organizations came to realize that work could still carry on while giving employees the opportunity of a better work-life. Remote work also saves workers from long commutes, offering them free time for their families, and personal hobbies and more time focusing on living a healthy life. Make no mistake about it, this brings a smile to the faces of many.
- Business Cost Reductions: It goes both ways: companies save a boatload of money due to remote work. Businesses could save tons of money on rent, utilities, and other overhead costs by requiring less office space. With more companies employing distributed workforces, the idea of having centralized offices is gradually losing its appeal. Businesses benefit from low overhead costs and a broader talent pool as well. In the case of businesses without geographical restrictions, it allows them to hire in another city/area beyond the office.
- Worldwide health crises. The COVID-19 pandemic shone a light on the weakness of well-established work locations during worldwide health emergencies, and significantly boosted the appeal of remote working. When physical office space was ordered to close, remote work kept the doors open for businesses around the world despite extraordinary disruptions. Yes, we could work remotely before the pandemic, but to flatten the curve of virus transmissions, many industries were forced into long-term (in some cases permanent), work-from-home approaches nearly overnight. Many businesses realized that productivity has not suffered because of remote work, and have moved to permanently offer partial in-person and at-home options.
Benefits of Remote Work
- More effective work: This might be a tough sell, since some employers were concerned productivity might drop after transitioning to remote work, But workers claim to be productive from home, with more control over their environment and fewer distractions, as they can shape their workday themselves. Remote work means that instead of the traditional 9–5, employees can work during their peak hours. Also, workers can do even more work because they will spend less commuting.
- Better Work-Life Balance: Remote workers have more control to balance work with their daily lives. Remote working can give employees a road to satisfaction with the jobs they have, and reduce levels of burnout by letting them spend more time with their families, engage in hobbies, and perform personal errands without taking leave. Organizations also benefit from flexible working in not having to provide office space and all that entails. It also means a boost for many working parents looking after children, and for those with a long-term health issue who may struggle to respond to the demands of an office-based work premises.
- Potential Expense Savings: Remote workers are better for companies, along with customer service prospects on an internet-based platform. Employees also no longer must spend for their commutes, parking, or public transportation fares. Since working remotely allows employees to be more flexible with their household duties, they might be able to get away with cheaper lunches and work clothes (or even lower childcare expenses).
Trusted professionals from eMazzanti can help your company to set up and maintain efficient and secure remote-work connections.