2020 has forced companies all over the world to adapt to remote working within a short amount of time, and while there were no doubt some hiccups along the way, it seems that the world wide transition to remote work has been quite successful thus far, but is it here to stay?
The key to remote working becoming sustainable is investing in its success and focusing on the long term. Companies need to ensure they have more flexibility with their operational guidelines as they adapt to the online world. Company goals will need to align with the new working from home culture, and there should be an understanding of expectations between employers and employees. HR policies will also need to be reviewed to ensure they reflect the state of the world as it currently stands.
Adaptability is key, and company leaders will need to establish clear practices and lines of communication not just with employees, but with clients and stakeholders too. Communication between staff and management will be more frequent, and the use of current software, shared calendars and live chats will drive productivity.
Keeping track of employee morale and wellbeing is one of the most important aspects of remote work. The sudden change in working environment, going from being social and having personal interactions with co-workers, to having that lack of physical interaction is a big adjustment.
Companies should support workers through their challenges and monitor team culture to ensure workers are physically and mentally able to continue remote work. Ways to do this could include scheduled breaks throughout the day where workers switch their computers off and take a walk or have a coffee break, virtual after work drinks or even online games to keep workers spirits up and connected with their teammates. Ensuring employees are still maintaining a healthy work-life balance is important too. Switching off their computers at the end of business hours and leaving their workspace is vital when working remotely, and staff should not feel pressured into carrying their work over into their personal time just because they are working from home.
Remote working also has had many benefits that a lot of companies around the world probably never saw coming. There’s becoming less of a need for office spaces, less time is spent commuting, there are fewer business trips and expenses, shorter breaks, less sick days, and a greater focus from employees.
The pandemic left many businesses with no other option but to adopt remote work, and while it has it’s pro’s and con’s, if companies can get the work-life balance right, ensure productivity and uphold their business goals and guidelines, there’s no reason why remote work couldn’t become the new normal.