In the last few years, and particularly during the pandemic, a transformation has been taking place in the way we work. The rise of remote working has changed office-based work and created a new normal for professionals in many industries. With advances in technology and improved connectivity, more and more individuals and companies are enjoying the benefits of remote work. . In this article, we’ll take a look at just how significant this is and why it is so popular.
Of course, remote working has been around for a long time. Some self-employed people have always been able to do their work at home, long before the internet arrived. in the 70s IBM decided to test the idea, then known as telecommuting. This took off, for example for call centre workers. Of course, the arrival of the internet made remote working much more accessible to a larger group of workers and recent developement enable teams to collaborate on projects, even if they are based in different parts of the country or even the world.
Flexibility and Work-Life Balance
One of the biggest advantages of remote work is the possibility to have more flexibility and consequently a better work-life balance. This works well for many people, including those with young children, who want to be able to work when the kids are in school or in bed. And if the children are younger, it cuts out or cuts down on childcare costs. It is also a great option for anyone caring for a sick, older or disabled relative,
Remote working enables workers to live wherever they choose and move around to different countries , as long as they have a good internet connection. Of course, most people will stay in one place, possibly not far from the company base, but remote working gets rid of commuting and means employees don’t need to buy expensive homes or pay larger rents to live in a city centre or suburb where prices are higher than in the countryside or smaller towns.
Flexibility allows employees to manage their personal commitments more effectively, and this in turn leads to increased job satisfaction and overall well-being.
Increased Productivity and Efficiency with Remote Working
One of the main arguments against remote working, is that it will reduce productivity and efficiency. In other words, people will take advantage of the fact that there is no-one to keep an eye on the amount of work they are actually doing. However, the opposite has proved to be the case. By getting rid of office distractions, remote workers can spend more time getting stuff done and their focus improves. In addition, remote working empowers individuals to design their own work environment, making them more comfortable and improving concentration.
Expanding Available Talent
Another very positive aspect of remote working for employers is its ability to reach beyond geographical boundaries and enable them to hire talent from all over the world. This brings together a huge diversity of perspectives and skill, and increases a company’s edge in the global marketplace. A big advantage of remote work is its positive impact on employee satisfaction, making it a great way to attract and retain top talent.
Cutting Costs and Impact on the Environment
Remote working offers cost-saving opportunities for both employees and employers. By working remotely, individuals can save the cost of communing, buying lunch, and have to wear a full set of professional clothing all the time. We’ve all heard the stories of shirt tie and jacket with pj trousers for online meetings! And casual clothes are fine when no-one is watching. For businesses, remote work can cut down costs hugely – they can move to smaller premises and reduce heating, lighting and use of electrical equipment. In fact some companies choose to have everyone work remotely, meaning they only need premises for unavoidable face to face meetings.
Remote Working Helps Us Adapt to Changing Circumstances
The COVID-19 pandemic led to a huge increase in remote working. As we were all faced with unprecedented challenges, organizations had to adapt their practices to make sure the business was able to survive. Remote work was an invaluable solution, allowing employees to continue working, without exposing themselves to the virus. This crisis has shown just how useful remote work is as an alternative to traditional office setups.
Careers are changing dramatically in many ways and it’s important to adapt and understand these changes.
The recent expansion of emote working offers unprecedented flexibility, improved work-life balance, and increased productivity. It benefits both employees and employers, creating a happier workforce and will continue to play a significant part in the future of work.
If the idea of working from home attracts you and you feel it would benefit your situation, you could choose to look for companies who actively support remote working when looking for your net job..