I apologize if the heading had you anticipating a straightforward answer, but unfortunately, I cannot provide one. As a company that has been utilizing remote work for over a decade, it would be imprudent of me to solely rely on our success to indicate its suitability for your business. Instead, you require substantial evidence to make an informed decision about implementing remote work.
Undoubtedly, the current pandemic has necessitated the adoption of remote work strategies by many businesses to ensure continued operation amidst the widespread mandated quarantine measures. If your business has made this transition, you may already be aware of the advantages of remote work. Nonetheless, the decision to implement a remote work model demands more thought than a casual “let’s do this from now on” approach.
As we progress towards a ‘new normal,’ it’s highly probable that the corporate environment will continue to experience transformation. While some companies may mandate that employees return to physical workplaces, some may welcome the prospect, while others will not. Upon the resumption of in-person meetings, some may prefer it, but others will acknowledge that face-to-face interaction isn’t always essential.
When exploring the possibility of hiring remote workers, it’s crucial to meticulously assess the pros and cons of remote work. Check out our recommended list of steps that can aid in ensuring productive remote work.
As a manager, you should be well-versed in the responsibilities of each of your staff members.
The shift from in-person to digital work presents a significant obstacle for remote employment. Although some roles can be fulfilled effectively from a distance, others require more physical presence. While implementing a remote work policy for departments like accounting is relatively straightforward, it’s much more challenging to adopt a work-from-home (WFH) model for industries such as warehouses.
An individual employee can switch between working from home and working at the office. By monitoring the day-to-day tasks of employees, it’s possible to get a grasp of the workload and determine the percentage that can be completed remotely.
The following responsibilities list can aid in comprehending that current job descriptions may not be comprehensive enough. Certain warehouse operations (for instance, communicating with vendors and tracking products) can be carried out digitally and assigned to various employees. If a fully remote work environment is the goal, it’s important to consider modifying current job descriptions.
Ensure that your procedures are compatible with a digital framework.
The tasks on your created list are closely linked to the more intricate processes they belong to. Consequently, it’s essential to evaluate to what degree your processes are compatible with remote work. To contextualize this, consider if the tasks can be shifted to digital mediums and conducted via cloud systems.
A prevalent misconception is that manufacturing is the only process that cannot be executed remotely. However, evidence suggests that, although remote work is the most viable option for numerous organizations, some employees may need to be present in the workplace to cater to customers or handle deliveries. Before making any decisions, it’s crucial to factor in the logistical implications of a remote work setup.
It’s recommended to contemplate digitizing processes when feasible; however, it’s crucial to keep in mind the practicalities of fully remote work in the present moment, instead of a probable future circumstance. Even with digitized processes, there are specific factors to consider before shifting to complete remote work.
Analyze Savings and Expenses.
The monetary advantages of remote work are widely acknowledged. Although there may be costs associated with adapting your company’s infrastructure for remote employees (such as developing cloud-based solutions, employing third-party vendors, acquiring equipment for staff, and investing in remote training), these expenses should be viewed as part of the bigger picture.
It’s possible that the initial expenditure of establishing your business for remote work could be recuperated in the long run. I say “could” as there may be additional expenses to take into account, such as legally mandated employee expense reimbursements, or hiring IT and security experts for continuous technical assistance. Would you be willing to invest in these areas?
Given the potential cost reductions that could result from employing remote workers (on rent and office space, benefits and taxes), there are additional benefits to contemplate. These include decreased absenteeism, improved productivity, and lower staff turnover, all of which can result in further savings.
By considering the advantages and disadvantages, you can attain a better grasp of the needs of remote work. After analyzing the information presented, you may arrive at the realization that remote work is the clear choice for your company, or you may feel daunted by the prospect.
Creating a Choice
You may be questioning if merely following three uncomplicated steps is enough to establish if remote work is appropriate for your firm. However, it’s important to acknowledge that a significant amount of time and effort is needed to entirely comprehend the present situation, the activities that your employees perform, the processes that are in place to facilitate these tasks, and their implementation methods. Only then will you be able to determine if remote work is a feasible alternative.
If you decide to proceed with a decentralized model, you’ll have the essential information to guarantee a smooth transition of your present operations. Don’t feel compelled to embrace a model solely because it’s trendy – do what’s optimal for you, not what someone else thinks is the correct decision.
It’s worth noting that, while the conversation has been focused on remote or in-office work, a hybrid strategy might be a viable option. This entails a combination of both, with some employees in the workplace and others working remotely. There are advantages and disadvantages to this approach; however, it may be worth contemplating as it could provide the benefits of remote work while still preserving some of the conveniences of the office environment.
