When Remote Work is a Success, What's the Next Step?

When coronavirus was declared a global pandemic, many jobs that we never thought possible to perform remotely could suddenly be handled from home. Jobs such as call center operators or financial traders are also successful with remote working. Thus, when remote work is a success, this begs the question: what is the next step for organizations? Do we bring back the employees to the office or reconfigure the "workplace" definition in a future context?

According to a survey, most organizations now believe that remote working is the future of work. Post-pandemic, it is expected that 40% of employees will utilize a remote working model. Additionally, 37% of companies expected that at least 25% of their employees to work in a hybrid model. Ergo, most companies will restructure their versions of remote work that fit their goals.

Jobs requirements differ with every position in an organization based on the nature of work, the need for interaction, and so forth. As such, multiple hybrid models are an option for organizations to move forward with a remote workforce. Companies have to consider how they would choose to apply hybrid working models among their employees by taking into account their specific day-to-day needs and unique environment. For instance, employees that require specific equipment and facilities can come to the office on designated days while working the rest of the week remotely.

Because of the pandemic, organizations rushed to shift their everyday working routines to remote works without full preparation. The remote workforce created due to the pandemic is not by choice, but a necessity given the situation. However, if organizations choose to establish a remote workforce, they will need to consider several aspects. Cybersecurity, performance management, and building virtual social intimacy among team members are a few things to consider before switching to a remote model.

On a final note, since the abrupt and forced transition to remote work is a success, organizations need to rethink their ways of working and embrace the new changes post-Covid-19 for the future of work.