Remote work is the new normal.
Though remote work is not new, businesses that required field visits found it challenging to go remote. But with digitization, they have found a way to stay connected with customers and in line with industry trends.
But it was the comfort and convenience for employees to make breakfast at home and work on their laptops that made remote working alluring.
Insights
The outlook of working from home does have a positive side, but it has its negatives too. The ability to wake up and head to work in pyjamas without a heavy, tiring commute is probably the best thing so far. But it may not be the same for all.
Having a better work-life balance and being with the family brings more responsibility. Employees aren't allowing themselves to slack off as there isn't any unnecessary time wasted in commuting.
If a mother were to work on her laptop while having a young infant child, she could complete her work while looking after her child. The best thing is, there is no need to put the child in daycare - which comes at an extra cost. Remote working has been a boon to women and will continue to do so.
Global outreach
Companies have been working from home offices across the world for decades. Call-center companies are outsourced to many American firms, collaborating with overseas offices to get the job done.
Executives at firms are now reconsidering their real estate choices. You don’t need as much office space as before. Employees prefer to stay home and only want to leave room for in-person meetings with their clients.
The money saved with keeping employees at home can be a huge contributor to minimizing overhead and other underlying subsidy costs. People are learning different cultures by blending in communities virtually for companies with multiple offices worldwide.
Green thinking
Environmentally sound choices for a company are a great initiative to keep the planet greener. Decreasing space means we are indirectly or directly reducing our carbon footprint. It's a win-win - both financially and environmentally. Having a lesser office space means the company doesn't need to pay those expensive gas bills to heat up for hundred employees within the workplace.
Sustainability should be the main focus of any business, and making environmentally friendly decisions without paying out of pocket has a significant impact on long-run survival.
Negative impacts
Aside from the increased productivity, working from home can lead to an unhealthy routine. A typical office job in a household can become a mindless task due to unhealthy habits manifesting due to lockdown.
However, studies have shown that productivity from working from home is increased with a healthy balance of work and leisure activities. Happiness should be the focus of your employees, and with a happier mindset, your employee's productivity increases too.
The mental state of employees should be looked at as well because performance and mentality go hand in hand in the same direction. It's simple: The happier the employee - the better their performance. If keeping your loyal workers at home makes them more comfortable, then why not implement?
The new social gathering in the workplace
The well-being of workers is the number one priority for management. With the lifestyle of working from home, companies should provide extra amenities for their employees. Simple activities such as yoga, recreational sports, massages, etc., are all possible activities to ensure the employees' health.
Funding programs will increase employees' morale and further inspire them to dedicate their time to the company with better benefits and rewards. Incorporating daycare for young children and extended time for new mothers will display its value for its individuals. As there is something offered for each person, everyone will feel included.
The equitable approach to take care of each employee will greatly benefit the company in the long run. Smaller companies may not offer a specialized program for individuals; however, various general programs would be available for the workers to choose from.
Conclusion
Remote work from home is the next wave of employment, as accessibility will ensure jobs and opportunities for individuals regardless of their abilities. Keeping employees happy while also providing safety at home seems to be the choice of employers as we advance. There can be a blend of both remote and in-office working environment for better productivity overall.
Ultimately, saving money and space isn't the only reason to work from home; happiness and effective collaboration are.
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