Exploring the World of Remote Work

Remote work is not entirely a new idea. There have been job roles that are possible through remote work. But during the recent global pandemic, there is a rise in the demand for remote work. As a result, many companies started exploring how it can be of use for them.

But for other companies, it was also a first time. Most of them operate on-site before a global crisis forced them otherwise. This goes the same with the workforce. Employers and the workforce went through tons of adjustments to make remote work possible. At present, more companies can easily shift to remote work setting if need be.

Remote Work

To put it simply, it is a setting where workers can do their task from home or other places outside the office. Often, workers create a workplace at their homes. But the workplace can extend beyond the confines of their homes.

The best examples of this are the digital nomads. They are workers that virtually work while they travel to various places. Instead of working from home, they usually work from hotels, beaches, and other places.

Remote work can be an option for many businesses. This is a good option for job roles workable through online devices. But there are also roles that workers need to accomplish in person. These are roles that are not suitable for remote work.

Advantages

The rise of remote work shed light on its various advantages. This not only benefits workers but employers too. Some of these positive aspects of remote work are as follows:

For Employers

1. More efficient communication.

One of the benefits of remote work are the range of tools to help organize tasks. At the same time, these tools foster better communication among teams and other workers.

2. It can increase productivity.

Staff that work remotely are also more productive. This is because they are free from office and social distractions.

3. Savings on social events.

Since workers remain at home, most companies find savings due to this. This is mainly because of the lack of team events where they are additional expense to the company.

4. Expanded pool of talent.

Companies can extend their talent pool beyond local hires. Since the roles are available for remote work, they can bring in hires from other regions or countries.

For Employees

1. They can work anywhere.

The idea of remote work is to work from anywhere beyond the office. This means workers can do their job not only at home but from other places as they please.

2. They have flexible hours.

Most remote workers are not bound to work within the normal business hours. This allows them to work around their schedules and do other day-to-day tasks.

3. Minimal or no need to commute to work.

Commuting to and from work is a major concern especially when there is heavy traffic or other unforeseen events. Remote workers do not have to worry about this since most of them do not have to report to the office.

4. Cater to workers with special needs.

Remote work suits people with physical disability and mental health concerns. They can stay at home and still accomplish their daily office tasks without hassle.

Challenges

Like other work set up, there are also challenges with remote work. Here are some of them.

1. Difference in time zones and cultural differences.

Since workers can come from different regions and countries, time zone and cultural differences can be a challenge.

2. Technical issues and security risks.

While big companies have enterprise-grade tech, some of its workers may rely on unreliable internet and devices. This can cause tech issues. One more challenge is security since remote work can open the company’s network to breaches and hacking.

3. Checking team and project progress.

When too much work in going on, checking the team or a project progress is hard. Even with advanced tools, this task can be challenging.

4. Remote collaboration.

Working with a team from various regions and locations can challenge collaboration.

5. Time management.

Often remote workers get an overwhelming feeling of their tasks. In addition, the lack of a team lead or supervisor present to check on them can reduce the pressure to get things done.

6. Isolation and minimal human interaction.

Working alone or without a team present may cause the feeling of isolation. People are social beings. They crave human interaction now and then.

7. Breaks and distractions.

When working at home, there is no assurance that there will be no distractions.

Remote Work and Pay Equity

There have been discussions about remote work and pay equity. Since workers can stay at home, should they receive less? The same goes with workers relocating to areas with low cost of living to do remote work. These are some questions around remote work.

But recent surveys show that workers do not agree that they will receive less for working remotely. In addition, most companies do not have a concrete framework to find out how to pay their worker for remote work. But most worker expect to receive the amount of salary that reflects their location.

Dealing with this challenge is not easy. A firm must first create a strategic pay philosophy that can cater remote work set up. In addition, they should find out the types of job roles that can function in a remote work setting. This is critical since remote work from various locations may not be ideal for every company.

A company’s pay strategy should have consistency and equity involving pay adjustments for remote work. Also, they should exhibit flexibility when it comes to their workers’ compensation. Finally, they should be transparent when it comes to pay practices especially for remote workers.

Best Practices for Remote Work

There can be challenges for doing remote work. But here are some best practices to help remote workers to always be at their finest.

1. Develop a healthy routine.

2. Create a dedicated workspace.

3. Build healthy boundaries between work tasks and personal needs.

4. Establish a clear and honest communication.

5. Invest in tools and other resources.

6. Keep your well-being always in check.

More than the challenges, remote work has been a great option for most companies and their workforce. As ways and practices change over the years, the way people see remote work have also evolved.