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Remote work is here to stay, and rightly so, it has become a common practice across industries. It’s estimated that over half of employees now work remotely, at least part-time.
The benefits of remote work include increased productivity, flexibility, and job satisfaction. It also helps companies save money because they don’t have to pay for office space or other overhead costs.
However, some workers worry that they won’t get the same support from their colleagues as those who work face-to-face. They might also miss out on social interactions with co-workers.
This post looks at the future of remote work, how to make remote work better, what to consider before you start working in a different location, and why this work model is here to stay.
Remote Work is Here to Stay: Why Does it Matter?
Before diving into the details, let us explain why remote working is important.
As mentioned earlier, many people are now working in ways that aren’t traditional —either by shifting their offices away from central hubs like London, New York, or San Francisco or by working remotely rather than commuting every day. The main reason remote work is here to stay is thanks to cutting-edge technologies and the need to stay ahead of competition.
This shift represents greater flexibility and saves organizations millions of dollars each year. That’s because working from home allows them to cut down on transportation expenses.
It also reduces absenteeism and increases employee engagement. This is especially true if employees feel more connected to the company through flexible working arrangements.
It sounds pretty good, right? Well, there are still challenges to overcome.
How to Identify Jobs Suitable For Remote Workers
Employers looking for how to make remote work better must first identify suitable roles for remote employees. Additionally, embracing new work models requires training and skills development. For that reason, remote work management remains a crucial ingredient for implementing a remote work environment.
Here are five things that make certain roles more suitable for remote working:
1. Critical functions require close proximity
Critical business functions such as financial services and high-profile operations like government tend to need onsite presence.
2. Productivity depends on collaboration
Collaboration among diverse teams is key. Therefore, meeting frequently isn’t possible unless everyone works together in person. Of course, this also means paying attention to cultural differences.
3. The workforce is mobile
Companies want their staff to move around the world easily without sacrificing quality. A lack of onsite infrastructure can limit your ability to meet these needs. You could end up spending valuable time traveling between two or three locations.
4. Managers must be accessible
Virtual teams in the workplace count on excellent communication for success. If you’re leading a team of remote workers, you will have to stay in touch regularly to ensure that everything runs smoothly. Remote work management tools help you manage multiple projects simultaneously and increase transparency across all departments.
5. Physical space is necessary
Your colleagues may also need physical space to collaborate effectively. This includes facilities like shared kitchens and conference rooms.
What To Consider Before Starting Work From Home
Working remotely may seem like a dream come true to many people. But before jumping headfirst into the unknown, here are six things to think about before starting work from home…
You Must Know Your Audience
Remote work doesn’t mean that you should forget about building relationships with other people outside of your organization.
For example, if you run a marketing agency, you may work alongside clients on projects. If so, these conversations will help you build rapport.
You Could Face Challenges When It Comes to Performance Management
Remote work is here to stay but has its downsides. One of these is performance issues. The best way to manage performances in a remote situation is to set goals and objectives as early as possible. Then, hold regular meetings, both in person and over Skype, to discuss progress and plan the next steps.
Set Boundaries With Email
Email can become a problem when you use it in place of face-to-face communication. People do email differently than they talk. They don’t always realize that writing won’t reach the intended receiver. As a result, you may get replies which aren’t useful.
In some cases, remote workers may even become isolated. This can lead to burnout, frustration, and ultimately job dissatisfaction.
Consider Using Video Conferencing Tools
Video conferencing tools allow you to share screenshots with others while chatting online simultaneously. These include Zoom (a video calling provider), Microsoft Teams, WebEx Meeting, and GoToMeeting.
How to make remote work better?
So far, we’ve been talking about how telework positively affects employees and employers alike. But, there are ways it can increase productivity too.
While many businesses struggle to offer flexible working hours, teleworking enables them to expand or reduce hours based on demand. This frees them from making difficult decisions such as cutting jobs or closing parts of their business.
Teleworkers who miss out on facetime with co-workers still benefit from communicating more openly via instant messaging programs. Instead of sending long written letters via post, they can send text messages or emails.
Another advantage is greater flexibility when it comes to scheduling meetings. Instead of forcing everyone to be together at one time by using a meeting room, teleworkers can schedule times for different individuals in different locations.
In Summary
Remote work is here to stay for a long time. Consequently, if you’re considering whether to start working from home full time, think carefully about the pros and cons of moving forward. Additionally, virtual teams in the workplace offer several benefits and can improve overall workplace satisfaction.
The future of remote work looks bright but not without its fair share of challenges. As a new employee, it’s important to weigh up the potential upsides and downsides of this approach to employment. You don’t want to move forward without understanding all the advantages and disadvantages of working remotely.