A recent survey found a categorical preference for remote work, with 97. 6 percent preferring to work remotely for at least part of the time in their future careers. What started out as a compulsion a few years back has now come to be regarded as best practice and a definite choice for a majority of employees!
So, why has remote work grown in importance today? The fact is, remote work is as advantageous for organizations as it is for people. Let us look at the benefits it brings about.
improved work-life balance.
After the initial period of getting used to remote work, there is no doubt that remote-friendly work has helped employees to achieve an improved work-life balance. Not just from home, today, employees can work individually or in small groups from coffee shops and co-working space as required, and yet call the shots on a relaxed personal life.
This leads to long-term benefits for both employees and employers. Happier people at work equals better motivation to deliver high-quality work. Amazing time management and communication tools ensure that work is completed more efficiently too.
higher productivity.
An interesting input received from workers is that the traditional office can prove to be distracting — with co-worker distractions, water cooler breaks, etc. Having created a controlled environment at home for work, people have found they can think, plan and execute their work with much greater efficiency.
Over the last couple of years, employees have learnt to create and weve their flexible schedules around their most productive hours. So, it is early morning for some, or burning the midnight oil for others. And this diversity can be a huge advantage for people closely working in teams
lower costs - both for employees and employers.
For organizations, it is significant savings on office space and resources (rent, power, amenities, furniture, etc.). This saving is still significant if a hybrid work model is deployed. By investing in the right resources, organizations can help employees save time and effort — such as Google Workspace (which is a comprehensive suite of n example of cloud-based office productivity tools. Irrespective of the time zones people are in, teams can automatically create events and meetings in a manner that removes scheduling conflicts.
goodbye, hassles of commuting.
This is a reason that finds unanimity in almost all people. The relief of not having to be stuck in traffic every day and the tremendous freeing up of time are benefits that all employees have experienced — and they are in no mood to trade this advantage. Empty hours behind the wheel or on public transport can be extremely stressful, and across the world, flexible work has also been found to reduce the increasing costs of healthcare.
For the green champions, reduced commute time equates to a lesser carbon footprint they leave on our planet.
happier employees, better talent retention.
Remote work creates the magic of increased happiness and satisfaction. From the ability to take charge of work with purpose and pride, to feeling alive at the ability to design one’s workspace in a way that that one wants — it’s an amazing canvas of happiness that motivates people to stay on with the organization. Result? Reduced employee attrition!
improved opportunities for diversity and inclusion.
For underrepresented groups, it unfolds the number of available opportunities. Women, who are constrained to take care of children and family from home, people with disabilities who cannot commute to and from work on a regular basis, and those for whom the cost and toll of commuting is high — here is a great opportunity for employment. Organizations too can find a sudden boost in the talent pipeline.
Remote work has, thus far, been a resounding success for organizations and their people. It has taught both how to make the best of giving and managing autonomy at work. Managers learn to micromanage less, and members learn to be more accountable. Without doubt, the future of work is indeed borderless and remote.
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how do remote jobs work?
Working from home is quite similar to working in an office. You will have tasks to complete, and you need to communicate with your boss regularly, just like any other job. However, before you accept a remote job, you should ask a few important questions to make sure it's a good fit for you. These questions are also good to ask during a job interview for a work-from-home position.
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how does the onboarding process work?
The process of getting started with remote jobs can differ between companies. Some employers offering remote jobs may require new hires to complete part of their onboarding process in person, which can help them feel more connected to the company. If it's a hybrid position, you may have to complete some onboarding and training steps on-site. On the other hand, companies offering fully remote jobs may have a virtual onboarding process that you can complete from home.
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can I work remotely from any location?
It's essential to understand that even though a job is remote, it doesn't mean you can work from anywhere you want. Some companies may require you to work from one specific location, usually your home, which is equipped with necessary tools, equipment, and a secure internet connection. Such companies may impose these rules to ensure data security and maintain work consistency.
However, if the company allows you to work from any location, you have the freedom to work from anywhere you like, such as a shared workspace, a local internet café, or even while traveling. As long as you can complete your work on time and stay connected, you can choose your workplace freely.
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is a home office necessary for remote work?
Depending on your job duties, you may not need an extra room to create a home office. However, you will still require a dedicated workspace where you can keep your work items and personal items separate. This separation can enhance your productivity and help maintain a proper work-life balance. In case you need a quiet space to communicate with clients or co-workers, or if your employer mandates a separate space, you may have to dedicate a room for a home office.
Many employers provide their remote workers with the necessary tools, equipment, and office supplies to work efficiently or offer a stipend to cover the expenses of setting up a home office. But this may not be the case with all employers. Therefore, it's essential to inquire about who is responsible for acquiring these supplies before accepting any job offer.
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what are the communication methods for remote employees to connect with their employer?
Remote work usually involves communicating through email, workflow management platforms, and video conferencing software. Depending on your job, you may also need to use specific software, such as a CRM platform. Employers usually provide access to these tools, but having experience using them can be helpful.
If you’re looking for your next career move or want a confidential chat about movements and opportunities in the market, contact Randstad's specialist consultants here.