Prior to the global pandemic, remote work was seen as the ideal option for the future of many businesses. In some ways, remote work has been successful with some companies worldwide implementing the remote work model successfully. However, the Covid pandemic gave the world an opportunity to test out remote work over a lengthy period of time. The results have been insightful .
While some companies found that remote work did not work well for their preferred business model, culture, or staff, other businesses found it successful. Overall, remote work showed a lack of innovation and brainstorming which is easily done in the office via lunch breaks, conversations by the cooler, and impromptu conversations in the office kitchen. This innovation and brainstorming is largely part of business success and has caused staff and managers to look more favorably at the hybrid model.
According to HR Review, about 50% of employers chose full remote work during the global pandemic. Interestingly, this dropped to 34% post pandemic with many employers favoring the hybrid model. This is unsurprising since the hybrid model gives employees flexibility and balance and, the employers continue to maintain a more present retention on their business.
Pitfalls in the future of remote work
When it comes to tech teams, remote work faces several pitfalls including:
- Junior tech members find it harder to develop their skills and grow their career since their check ins and learning opportunitieis with experienced tech staff is significantly lower.
- Tech managers have voiced concern that remote work prevents them from being aware of any arising mental health issues or stress increases and employee dissatisfaction.
- Remote work can directly affect company culture due to lack of in person communication and interaction.
- Remote work makes it easy to hide disengagement, rising issues, and signs of burnout. All of which can quickly be tackled early on in office.
What can be done to help remote work succeed?
Whether your company focuses on remote work or a hybrid model, many of the tips to help keep remote work alive can also be implemented in a hybrid model. Here are some ways to help your remote work (or hybrid model) succeed:
- Be aware of your staff. Watch for disengagement, intentionally check in with staff so you can tackle any disengagement, issues, mental health issues, stress and burnout.
- Embrace both remote work and/or the hybrid model as part of the future of businesses worldwide. According to Business News Daily, a large amount of future employees are willing to take a 10% pay cut in order to have some form or other of remote work in their employment.
- Ensure that your business has structured itself well for remote work in both hard tech and the correct software applications to ensure successful remote work.
- Implement standard KPIs for both managers and employers so that remote workers know what is expected of them and their performance is being monitored accordingly.