The Future May Just be Remote

Last week, we looked at the disadvantages of remote work on our blog. This week we will examine the various advantages of remote work and whether a hybrid option will become a viable solution for all organizations.

2020 has seen its fair share of radical changes around the world. One of which forced us all into a sudden experiment called ‘working from home.’ An experiment, that pretty much lasted the entire 2020. For many years, we have all debated the pros and cons of Remote Work. But 2020 was the year we saw its impact on businesses, and how it will shape the future of the workforce!

Granted, the change to remote work was forced upon us. But many of us managed to transition to working from home seamlessly! We also realized that organizations with traditional business models could be run efficiently through remote work. At the same time, we found that for many businesses the work from home Model depends on the context of the job, the tasks, and the equipment required. The real question now is whether remote work will last as a permanent work arrangement.

In fact, many organizations are opting for a more Hybrid Approach to remote work. Employees will split their work time between home and office. So, we ask, why is the hybrid model a better option than just the traditional work model or the completely remote work model?

• Lowered Business Expenses – The cost of supporting remote workers is much, much less compared to the workers in an office space. People who work from home save money on transportation, expenses of outside food, as well as lesser use of infrastructure. Companies will save money because of cutting 40-60% commercial office spaces.
• Increased Productivity – Working from home means fewer interruptions – Reductions in office politics, and more efficient meetings. People feel less burdened and less stressed. Being in their safe environment helps increase productivity.
• Better Work-Life Balance for Employees – Remote and flexible workers tend to be happier and healthier. They are more loyal to their organizations. They have more time for hobbies, more personal time, and have shown less stress. Apart from this, they get to spend more time with their families.
• Positive Environmental Impact – In the US, employees working from home means 7.8 billion vehicle miles saved this year. That’s 3 million tons of greenhouse gas emissions avoided. According to the “State of Telecommuting in the U.S. Employee Workforce” report, these 3.9 million employees are taking more than 600,000 cars off the road for an entire year.
• Larger Pool of talent – Due to remote work, you can hire anyone from across the globe with efficiency and the necessary requirements. Without having to worry about the employees’ location. There is a benefit for employees to be able to seek employment in locations they otherwise wouldn’t consider. There’s a benefit for employers too. They get an expanded reach for their hiring needs without having to consider relocation costs.
• Levels the playing field: Not all employees can permanently shift to remote work. Especially when schools are closed or are conducting virtual classes. Child care duties often intrude on the parents’ work schedule. More often on the mothers. The hybrid model opens up the option to work in different physical locations, especially for those whose homes lack adequate workspaces.

So, what have you planned for your organization? Is remote work an option for you?  Have you considered the pros and cons of remote work for your organization? Or does the hybrid model suit your organization better? All sides of this discussion need to be seriously considered before taking any action!

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