Since the pandemic, there has been a significant rise in searches for 'remote work jobs' or 'work-from-home jobs' in the job-hunting landscape. This shift was largely due to the necessity of social distancing measures and the widespread adoption of remote work by companies worldwide. Working from home (or remote work) essentially refers to work done at a location not within commuting distance of the employee's usual workplace.
There are many pros and cons to remote work, and some may find that they are more productive when working from home – because they can craft their schedule and eliminate distractions – compared to in an office. Others may miss the social interaction and collaboration that comes with working in an office. However, remote work can also have a positive impact on employee well-being, as it allows for a more flexible work-life balance and reduces the stress of commuting. Ultimately, it depends on the individual's preferences and needs. With that, determining if a remote (or hybrid) workforce is right for your team may be a tricky task. Here, we discuss the various benefits of remote work and how or why you should consider optimising it in your workforce.
While there are many advantages of remote working – with different benefits for different types of people – some of the positive outcomes are:
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Of course, every advantage also comes with possible downsides – depending on your personality and work style. Some downsides may include the following:
Before allowing your team to work from home, consider their work style and requirements: if your team is working on a project that requires a lot of collaboration, it may be better to have them work in the office so they can communicate. Working from home may be better if your team works on a digital project. Consider the following factors:
If you allow your team to work from home, a few workflow tools can help make the transition smoother. Some of these functions include:
Communication tools
Communication is critical when working from home. Members can use various communication tools, including email, instant messaging, video conferencing, and project management software, to stay in touch with team members. Ensuring clear and regular communication can help maintain team cohesion despite the physical distance.
Time-tracking tools
Time-tracking tools, such as software, time clocks, and online timesheets, can help keep everyone on track and ensure that work is done.
Productivity tools
A myriad of productivity tools, such as task management software, to-do lists, and calendars, can help team members stay organised and on track.
Software-as-a-service (SaaS) tools are worth exploring. These tools are optimised for business use and allow for seamless workflow and collaboration from anywhere in the world.
Once you have considered your team's work style and requirements, you can allow them to work from home. There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question. Some teams may be more productive when working from home, while others prefer social interaction and collaboration. Ultimately, it depends on the team's preferences and needs. Offering a flexible work arrangement, such as remote work, can demonstrate your commitment to accommodating your team's work-life balance needs.
Set clear expectations and guidelines if you allow your team to work from home. For example, you may set specific days or times when everyone must be available to work, or you may want to require that work be done during business hours. Feel free to experiment with different work methods to test productivity and efficiency. And as always, INTERLUNAR is here to help. If you're ever in a rut regarding the decision to go remote, contact the team to explore customised solutions for your workforce.
