Remember when the pandemic started, offices closed, and plans were made quickly for employees to work remotely? The belief was that we’d endure the situation for a few weeks or months, and then return to business as usual.
Clearly, that hasn’t been the case. More than a year-and-a-half later, the effects of the pandemic continue to be felt across all facets of society. That includes the workplace, where remote and hybrid work are still being utilized in organizations large and small.
Today, it’s hard to imagine going back to the ways things were. Employees that have become accustomed to working remotely are not keen on giving up the flexibility. At the same time, employers have realized a host of benefits from having staff work off-site.
As organizations decide where to go from here, it’s possible that a fully remote or hybrid model for employees might be the right answer, even for the long term. Here are four advantages to consider in evaluating your options.
1) Productivity. Despite initial fears, many reports show employee productivity has risen along with the advent of remote work. Whether there are fewer distractions, a greater ability to focus while working solo, or even a desire to prove that remote work can be effective, employees have taken the bull by the horns and demonstrated they can work from home and still be effective. Ask yourself, how has remote work affected productivity in our organization?
2) Taking Action. Without the typical office protocols and politics, employees with flexibility tend to feel more empowered. Rather than waiting for things to happen, they’re more likely to make things happen (this may also factor into the rise in productivity). When employees feel encouraged to make decisions and take action, they’re more likely to go above and beyond to deliver outstanding work. Ask yourself, have our remote employees shown a desire to “own” their roles?
3) Recruitment. As nearly every company faces the challenge of attracting and hiring great employees in a historically tight job market, the availability of remote workers widens the labor pool considerably. By offering the option of remote or hybrid work, employers may have a better chance of retaining their best employees, and of recruiting new ones. This is a great time to take advantage of the workplace transition to directly address an issue that won’t go away anytime soon. Ask yourself, can the job be performed effectively regardless of where the employee is located?
4) Work-Life Balance. In general, employees working remotely, whether full-time or as part of a hybrid set-up, have better work-life balance. This is particularly true for those with school-age children, or those providing care for nearby family members. When employees can strike a balance between work responsibilities and the other aspects of their lives, both they and their employers will benefit in the long run. Ask yourself, are our remote workers finding better balance in their lives, and is that translating to improved job performance?
Of course, the bottom line is that the job needs to get done. If that’s happening, there may not be a need to return to a full-time, in-office workplace. In fact, that move could backfire and cause more problems in the long run.
Alaant works with great companies every day, helping them to assess issues just like this, and make decisions that best serve their organizations. Have a challenge that’s holding your company back? Contact us today and let’s get the conversation started!
