In the past, remote working was only scarce, particularly for individuals who worked in corporate offices. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it has become a norm, and companies have started embracing it as a part of their work culture. Remote working was seen as one of the viable options to ensure continuity and minimize the impact of the pandemic on businesses. Furthermore, as the workforce evolves, more and more people are demanding flexibility in their work. This trend is here to stay, as it has demonstrated that it has significant benefits for both the employer and the employee.
In this blog, we will discuss the power of flexibility, how remote working can improve productivity, and the benefits of remote working for both employees and employers.
The Power of Flexibility
Flexibility brings about the ability to adapt to changing circumstances, which is crucial for both personal and professional life. In the past, a rigid nine-to-five working schedule was a norm for most people. Nowadays, however, the demands of the workforce have changed. For example, people nowadays may have to juggle work with family commitments, caregiving for family members or partner, and other obligations that arise due to personal circumstances. Thus, the need for flexibility is becoming increasingly important.
Flexible working arrangements have been proven to be beneficial for both the employee and employer. Organizations that embrace flexible work arrangements tend to attract and retain top talent, improve productivity, reduce costs, and improve employee satisfaction. Employees who are offered flexible work arrangements can balance their personal and professional demands and improve their overall well-being.
Remote working is one of the flexible work arrangements that companies are quickly adopting. Remote work has been a viable option for businesses during the pandemic, and its potential is evident. Remote work does not only offer flexibility for employees, but it also improves productivity.
How Remote Working Can Improve Productivity
Remote working has several benefits that contribute to increased productivity. The following are ways in which remote working can improve productivity:
Fewer Distractions
Remote working reduces office distractions, such as chatty colleagues or noisy phone calls, which helps employees to focus better on their tasks. Furthermore, remote working allows employees to create a work environment that suits their needs and preferences, which promotes their productivity. For instance, some employees may prefer working in silence, while others may prefer background noise. Remote working also allows employees to set their own work schedule, allowing them to work during their peak performance hours.
Reduced Commuting Time
Commuting has long been a major headache for most employees. The time wasted in traffic or waiting for public transport can be better spent on completing important tasks. Remote working eliminates the need to commute, which means that employees can use this time to start their work early or devote more hours to their work.
Time Zone Flexibility
One significant benefit of remote working is the ability to collaborate with colleagues or partners in different time zones. With remote work, employees can schedule meetings that are convenient for all parties, without worrying about commuting or time constraints.
Increased Autonomy
Remote working offers employees increased autonomy and responsibility. This autonomy motivates employees to be more productive, as they have more control over their time and work process. Remote workers take accountability for their deliverables, which translates to increased productivity and job satisfaction.
Reduced Sick Days and Absenteeism
Remote working cuts down on sick days and absenteeism that are associated with contagious illnesses, such as colds or flu. Remote working allows employees to work from home without exposing their colleagues to infections, thus reducing the spread of illnesses in the workplace.
Benefits of Remote Working for Employers
Remote working’s benefits extend to employers as well. The following are advantages that employers can derive from remote working:
Reduced Overhead Costs
Remote working can help companies save on overhead costs, such as rent and utilities, because employees are not required to use the office facilities daily. Companies can also save on the cost of office supplies and equipment, as employees can use their own laptops or work tools.
Attract and Retain Top Talent
Incorporating remote working into a company’s culture can help attract and retain top talent. Remote working offers a range of benefits that employees appreciate, such as flexibility and autonomy, and businesses that provide their employees with flexible work arrangements benefit from better employee retention rates.
Increased Productivity
Remote working can lead to increased productivity, as we have already seen. By eliminating several office distractions and reducing commuting time, employees are better able to focus on their work and have more flexible work schedules. This increased productivity translates to a better output for the company.
Increased Diversity
Remote working enables companies to be more inclusive and diverse by creating opportunities for people who are unable to work in an office setting. Individuals with disabilities or those caring for loved ones can work from home, providing them with the flexibility and opportunity to participate in the workforce. The increased diversity of a company’s workforce translates to a more expansive talent pool, new ideas, and perspectives.
Remote Working Best Practices
While remote work provides several great benefits to employees and employers, it comes with its unique set of challenges. Thus, companies that want to implement remote working should consider remote work best practices, which include the following:
Establish Clear Communication Channels
Remote working requires the use of technology to communicate and collaborate effectively. Therefore, companies should invest in reliable communication tools such as video conferencing software, instant messaging, project management tools, and document sharing platforms. The company should establish clear communication channels and ensure that employees have the necessary equipment and bandwidth to access these tools.
Monitor Performance
Remote workers should have clear performance metrics that are aligned with the company’s objectives. Employers should establish clear goals and expectations for each employee and ensure that they are communicated to remote workers. Employers should also monitor the performance of remote workers to ensure that they are achieving their goals and meeting expectations.
Encourage Work-Life Balance
Remote working provides employees with the flexibility to work from anywhere, anytime. However, this flexibility can make it challenging for employees to set boundaries between work and personal time. Employers should encourage employees to take breaks and disconnect from work to prevent burnout. Policies such as mandatory vacation time can help employees to maintain a good work-life balance.
Promote Team Building
Remote working can sometimes feel isolating and lonely, leading to a lack of motivation and engagement for some employees. Therefore, it is essential to create opportunities for remote workers to connect with their colleagues and build relationships. Online team-building activities such as virtual happy hours, online games, and brainstorming sessions can help remote workers feel connected to their colleagues.
Provide Training and Support
Remote working requires a different set of skills and competencies than working in an office environment. Employers should provide training and support to employees to ensure that they have the necessary skills to work effectively in a remote setting. Employers can provide training on specific remote work-related topics, such as time management, communication, and using remote work tools.
Challenges of Remote Working
Remote working comes with its set of challenges that employers and employees should be aware of. The following are some of the common challenges of remote working:
Communication and Collaboration
Remote working can be challenging because it requires different tools and methods of communication and collaboration. Employers need to establish clear communication channels to ensure that employees can collaborate effectively. This can include establishing video conferencing protocols, using project management tools to track projects, and ensuring that all employees have access to necessary documents and files.
Maintaining Work Culture
Remote work can lead to a loss of company culture and a sense of distance from colleagues. Employers should strive to maintain company culture by creating opportunities for remote workers to connect with their colleagues, such as through virtual team-building activities.
Managing Expectations
Remote workers need clear expectations and goals to ensure that they are meeting the company’s objectives. Employers should establish clear goals and provide regular feedback to remote workers to ensure that they are meeting expectations. This can be done through regular performance assessments or check-ins.
Technology and Security
Remote working requires different tools and technology than working in an office environment. Employers need to ensure that remote workers have access to the necessary technology and tools to perform their job. Employers also need to ensure that remote workers are using secure tools and methods to prevent data breaches and cyberattacks.
Conclusion
Remote working is no longer a luxury but a necessity. The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the way we work and has highlighted the importance of flexibility in the workplace. Remote working offers a range of benefits that can improve productivity, promote better work-life balance, and reduce costs for businesses. For employees, it offers more autonomy, eliminates commuting time, and provides an opportunity to work in line with their peak performance hours.
To see the real benefits of remote working, businesses need to foster a culture of trust, clear communication, and support for their employees. Remote working requires the use of technology and collaboration tools to ensure seamless communication and collaboration. As companies continue to embrace flexible work arrangements, remote working will become more prevalent, and we will see better employee satisfaction, improved productivity, and cost savings for businesses. Remote working is here to stay, and businesses that incorporate it into their culture will be at a significant advantage over those that do not.