Since 2020, the world of work has undergone a complete shift in nature. The possibility of working from home never crossed the minds of many companies until the COVID-19 pandemic happened. Many businesses had to adapt in ways they never imagined. After the dust settled, a new reality emerged out of the ashes of this global event, remote working.
Remote work has become more than just a temporary solution used to navigate through the pandemic; it has evolved into a powerful and enduring aspect of modern work culture. Now that the pandemic is a thing of the past, one question many people ask is “Is remote working here to stay?” In this article, we will be answering this question while exploring the impact of remote work on businesses and employees, and the potential long-term implications for the future of work.
Reasons Why Remote Work Is Here To Stay
The significant shift towards remote work hasn’t emerged out of thin air; it has been a topic of consideration for companies for years as they sought to adapt to the needs of their modern workforce. As the pandemic forced businesses to adapt quickly to new realities, a considerable number of companies embraced remote work as a viable solution. Some reasons why these businesses and employees are all for remote work staying are;
1. Flexibility
For workers, working remotely often means greater flexibility in managing their work-life balance. The daily commute to and from work is something many employees dislike. The ability to work from home or choose a location of their preference can reduce commuting time and expenses. This extra free time allows them to get more rest, meditate, and have a more comfortable work-life balance. For companies, remote work opens up opportunities to source premium talent from diverse geographical locations, enabling them to tap into a global talent pool.
2. Cost Savings
According to an article from Flexjobs, the average person can save up to $6,000 working at home half the time in a hybrid role and up to $12,000 per year by working remotely full-time. Remote work can save employees money on;
- Commuting (public transportation, gas, maintenance, and insurance)
- Work attire (suits, dresses, pants, skirts, coats, and shirts)
- Meals (eating out for breakfast, and lunch, and buying coffee)
- Tax breaks (home office deductions and healthcare expenses)
Companies also benefit a lot from having remote workers. They can reduce their overhead costs related to office space and utilities.
3. Increased Productivity
Many studies have shown that remote workers are often more productive due to reduced distractions, quieter environments, and the ability to personalise their workspaces. With the rise of 5G and numerous software solutions such as Slack, Zoom, and Zoho, among many others, communicating and working remotely has been made much more efficient than ever before. According to Forbes, 32.6 million Americans will work remotely by 2025. This shows the number of companies that find this valuable.
4. Access to a Global Talent Work-Pool
Remote work allows companies to tap into talent from different geographical locations, increasing the potential for diverse and skilled team members. No matter where in the world they may find themselves, workers have an opportunity to work for companies all over the world without having to relocate. Without remote work, this wouldn’t have been possible. Businesses have also benefited greatly from being able to globally source talent, both economically and productivity-wise.
5. Positive Environmental Impact
Remote work can lead to reduced carbon emissions and a smaller environmental footprint as fewer employees need to travel to a physical workplace. According to an article from Flexjobs, it’s estimated that when 3.9 million employees work from home at least half the time, they reduce greenhouse gas emissions by the equivalent of taking more than 600,000 cars off the road for an entire year. Also, using less paper, air-conditioning, heating, and lighting is a positive for the environment. Globally, we saw a decline in greenhouse emissions when the pandemic hit.
The Challenges Of Remote Work Staying
While remote work offers numerous advantages, it is not without its challenges. Some of the primary concerns for employers are;
1. Maintaining Connection
It’s easier to connect with other human beings in person than it is remotely. According to a JLL survey, 70% consider the office as the best place for team building and connecting with management. Almost half of employees expect offices to offer spaces to socialise.
2. Maintaining Company Culture
The absence of face-to-face interactions can hinder team bonding and shared experiences, potentially impacting employee engagement and a sense of belonging to the organisation. Companies may find difficulties in finding ways to make remote workers feel part of a team. Training employees on cyber-security risks means that companies will need to adopt new remote access policies.
The Future Of Remote Work
Yes, for the most part, remote work is here to stay. According to a Forbes article, a staggering 98% of workers expressed the desire to work remotely, at least part of the time. However, the future of work is likely to adopt a hybrid model where companies have a physical workspace where teams can connect on a deeper level occasionally and perform tasks that can’t be done remotely, while also allowing workers to work from the comfort of their homes whenever they can. By striking the right balance, businesses can leverage the benefits of remote work while addressing its challenges.