Introduction
Although the term “remote work model” is commonly used these days, in the 1970s it was generally referred to as telecommuting. When it comes to the history of remote work, reducing transportation and greenhouse gas emissions served as the primary driving force behind the transition to a new working style.
In a comparatively short period, the way people see remote employment has changed significantly. This is partly a result of advancements in technology and technologies that let workers operate wherever they are. Flexible and remote working was seen more as a benefit. HR executives now understand that businesses with flexible remote work practices can draw and keep top talent. 80% of workers claimed that, given the choice between two identical employment offers, they would reject the one that didn’t allow for flexible scheduling.
Of course, the Coronavirus is a big issue and a major reason why some businesses now see remote work differently than they did in the past. Many businesses had strict policies against working from home in the past. But when the pandemic made office work impossible, these businesses were compelled to reconsider their positions and establish the first-ever employee work-from-home rules.
The modern workplace has advanced with the use of remote work. It considers the employee’s requirements, the truth of regional and international events, and the changing views on wellness and the workplace.
Advantages of working remotely
Today, many people work remotely for the following reasons:
- Flexibility: A PwC poll revealed that 66% of millennials prefer flexible work hours and 64% would like to occasionally work from home. There is no doubt that modern workers seek flexibility in their careers.
- Online event platform for consulting: Companies and independent consultants may now communicate more easily thanks to the development of virtual event platforms, like Mixhubb.
- Technology: Remote working has never been more advanced thanks to cloud computing and video conferencing. Businesses may now employ consultants who are in different time zones, and the two can even collaborate at the same time.
Reasons why remote work is the present and can be the future
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Remote employees cost less for your company
One can save money on office rent, power, and other office necessities when employees work from home. In addition, 34% of US employees claimed they would gladly accept a slight salary reduction in exchange for the flexibility to work from home, which might result in even further cost savings for them.
Businesses may save a tonne of money by hiring a smaller office that can only be utilized for meetings or conferences if all or half of the crew works remotely.
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When employees work from home, their productivity increases
FlexJobs reports that 77% of remote workers claim to be more productive while working from home, while 75% of respondents claim there are fewer distractions. Remote employees are often more alert and prepared for the start of the workday since they don’t have to deal with the morning commute’s commotion or a crammed train. Instead of a grouchy 7 o’clock start, you get a well-rested 8:30 start, have time for breakfast, and are at your desk by 9 o’clock.
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It enhances the mental wellness of one’s staff
A staggering 80% of respondents claim that working remotely reduces their stress at work. Job satisfaction rises and the turnover rate of one’s workforce decreases with less stress and improved mental health for everyone. The benefits of remote working are multiplied for both the company and its employees. Imagine a world without a stressful commute, uncomfortable co-workers, or constant sensation of micromanagement. There are several reasons why someone could experience stress at work, but a few common ones include completing deadlines, impressing bosses, and accomplishing goals. Then again, some factors steadily wear on workers, such as commuting, particularly in the cold and dark, office politics, and favoritism, to mention a few.
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It is ecologically friendly to work remotely
There is already evidence to support the positive environmental effects of remote working. As per research, 3.6 million tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions are avoided annually in the US alone as a result of employees traveling less. Another research claims that remote labor may cut annual world greenhouse gas emissions by 54 million tonnes; these are staggering numbers. People are becoming more and more conscious of the effects that daily living has on the environment, and they frequently choose to do business with companies that share their opinions.
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Businesses that allow remote work retain their employees better
Only 55% of on-site employees, according to studies, are satisfied with their jobs, which means that 45% of the staff might go at any time. Because 71% of remote employees report they are pleased in their jobs, organizations can realize a 25% reduction in staff turnover. Employees who are happier in their jobs are less likely to be drawn to competing companies. They are happier where they are right now.
What role will remote work play post-COVID-19
Whether required by businesses or a result of individual employee preferences, remote work is here to stay. Most likely, work will never be the same as it once was. Even if we are aware that work will change, it is impossible to predict all the probable changes. Fortunately, trends in remote work guide hiring, designing virtual events, and more.
Small, medium-sized, and big businesses were compelled by COVID-19 to immediately adapt. After COVID, remote employment is still unclear. Business managers must be aware of the hurdles even though this shift has been effective for many firms.
Conclusion
Long-term remote work may still be a possibility for employers’ workers and businesses even after the pandemic. This is due to its favorable effects on worker productivity, decreased real estate costs, and favorable effects on the environment. After the fall in the rate of the pandemic, many organizations are not continuing to allow remote work, while quite a number are offering their staff flexible scheduling alternatives. Co-working spaces, shared workplaces, and hot desk office formats will become more and more necessary as a result of flexible work practices.
Remote teams have benefited from the largest-ever worldwide work-from-home experiment, which has helped them establish a variety of productivity patterns, learn new communication strategies, and swiftly adopt new technologies and tools for remote collaboration. Implementing remote work is a continuous process.
As the majority of businesses know, setting up a working remote work infrastructure throughout their organization is a major task. It is crucial to have a clear awareness of the business culture and a strong work-from-home strategy.
