The issue of climate change is currently being widely discussed, given its considerable impact. NASA’s release of recent images revealing the drastic effects of the highest recorded temperatures in Antarctica, where snow was seen to be melting, are evidence of this. Furthermore, the aftermath of Australia’s tragic bushfires has yet to subside. Support for Greta Thunberg’s endeavours is being backed by scientific evidence, as she advocates for action. There is no denying that action is needed now.
While individuals have limited influence, larger corporations have the ability to make bigger strides. Carrying practical items such as a metal straw, a reusable water bottle, and a roll of bamboo tissue in one’s carry-on is undoubtedly a small step, but surely there is room for businesses to take action that is both financially advantageous and environmentally sound. Considering the potential possibilities is a worthy endeavor, especially since many businesses nowadays operate almost entirely in the digital world.
What Exactly is a “Virtual” Business?
At Works, our main priority is to facilitate remote working. In essence, a virtual business operates in a manner whereby all personnel work remotely, without any central office or physical workspaces – interaction among team members is conducted online.
It is crucial to acknowledge that forming virtual partnerships is not exclusive to lesser-known brands or small businesses. In reality, many of the world’s most prominent organisations are overseen by virtual teams of staff.
Scopic, which specializes in developing websites and mobile applications, is one of the largest virtual enterprises worldwide, boasting a workforce consisting of over 230 employees hailing from 20 different countries. Though you may not be familiar with Scopic, the company is proud of its swift growth, which displays no indications of slowing down anytime in the near future.
Here at Basecamp, we comprehend the intricacies of managing remote teams, which is why we offer our platform as a means to coordinate your own distributed team. With all 115 of our employees working remotely, we possess a unique understanding of the obstacles that arise with distributed teamwork, equipping us with the knowledge needed to create a platform that caters specifically to the demands of this type of work arrangement.
Buffer takes pride in its incredible team of 100+ individuals working remotely from various locations. While the perks of remote work are well known for software developers, it’s critical to remember that other professions, including salespeople, marketers, human resources specialists, accountants, and many more, can also benefit from this work arrangement. We appreciate your time spent reading our blog and thank you for your unwavering support.
Originally a collaboration among three housemates sharing a single residence, Zapier has now evolved into an international enterprise, employing over two hundred individuals. At our organisation, we share Zapier’s CEO Wade Foster’s belief that concise and impactful written communication is a prerequisite for any organisation that operates in a distributed manner.
Our organisation’s success is a reflection of our unwavering commitment to our promises. With team members located across the globe, we proudly function as an international enterprise. By adopting a trial-and-error methodology in our work, we have amassed a wealth of expertise in effectively creating and managing teams, both remote and on-site.
How Do “Greener” Virtual Companies Operate?
In the year 2023, around 1.786 billion metric tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions was generated by the transportation industry in the United States, making up 26% of the nation’s total emissions. Reducing traffic congestion from the daily commutes of individuals could lead to a wide range of benefits for society. The average American worker spends 26 minutes travelling to and from work daily, which amounts to one hour of their day lost to commuting.
However, the concern regarding the environmental impact of daily commutes is not just limited to pollution levels. Consider how many households require two or more cars solely for the purpose of commuting each day? The manufacturing and disposal of cars have a notably adverse effect on the environment, primarily due to the plastics employed in their internal mechanisms. Reducing the number of cars owned by families could benefit both the environment and the financial stability of households.
When determining the ideal location for a business, a crucial factor to consider is whether to operate from home. Working remotely can lead to significant savings in energy usage since there is no necessity to provide a dedicated office space for employees. Staff can instead utilize their own homes as their workspace. Maintaining a comfortable living environment in our homes, even when they are not occupied, is essential. This may also encourage individuals to work from home rather than waste energy heating or cooling an additional building.
Remote workers are spared from the various adverse health consequences of commuting to and from work, given that they don’t have to spend a considerable amount of time in their vehicles. If employees prioritize their well-being, this could lead to fewer sick days, fewer visits to the doctor, and ultimately, lower healthcare expenses.
Remote work’s positive effects on the environment aren’t solely exclusive to those working from home; office-based employees can also take advantage of the reduced paper use that comes with remote work. Rather than being presented in hard copy, the report required for today’s meeting is easily accessible in Portable Document Format (PDF) and can be viewed directly on any computer. Thanks to modern remote communication and collaboration technologies, groups can now hold discussions without relying on physical flipcharts or other paper-based materials.
Positive, Unforeseen Consequences
Enabling a larger number of individuals to work remotely offers greater flexibility and economic opportunities, benefiting both the worker and the environment. Moreover, companies that hire staff from varying regions around the globe can enjoy a more diverse workforce, which can lead to enhanced creativity and problem-solving skills within the company.
The growth of remote work has had a noticeable, beneficial impact on the global economy by expanding available resources beyond major cities or nations that have historically monopolized them. As noted by Jo Palmer in a radio interview, this shift has allowed rural communities that have experienced population decline due to suburban migration to be revitalized. By employing remote workers, money is redistributed on a global scale, making the practice analogous to the legendary Robin Hood.
It’s vital to acknowledge that a significant number of individuals who work remotely do so out of necessity, rather than by choice. This includes working mothers who must juggle their career with family obligations, as well as individuals requiring teleworking as a reasonable adjustment for physical or mental health reasons.
Telecommuting: Bringing the World Together
Our research reveals that remote work can enhance an individual’s sense of social responsibility. Given that some of our team members are based in Northern Italy, the news of CORVID-19’s rampant spread in the region has had a particularly strong impact on us. Encountering racism or prejudice on a daily basis can make ignoring such conduct difficult. Working remotely has truly embodied the sentiments of Walt Disney’s words – demonstrating that the world is indeed a small place.
You need not transition completely to a virtual work environment to realise the advantages of remote work. Introducing such flexibility to your employees, even on a trial basis, is a positive step forward. We strongly recommend hiring your next software engineer as a remote employee. If you require any advice or guidance, our team would be honoured to guide you. Don’t hesitate to get in touch with us so that we can discuss how we can assist you.
