It is no secret that COVID-19 has thrown the day to day operations of companies into complete disarray. Yet, it has also spurred companies into an accelerated digital transformation, which may be most apparent in the switch to working remotely, from anywhere with an internet connection. As businesses prepare to open during the pandemic in phased approaches, we must be mindful of the hidden opportunities presented to us.
Before COVID-19, the concept of an employee working from home was often met with disparagement, perceived as laziness and a way to avoid working. This led to undue pressure on employees, feeling like they need to work harder or longer, just to access the flexibility of working from home; this often leads to burn-out and mental health issues. Employees had to be physically present during office hours to prove their value and productivity on a visible scale. This mentality contributed to employees continuing to work in the office with a cold or flu, potentially spreading germs and infecting other colleagues. Sick days were often reserved for emergencies. Long commute and wait times to get into the office added to our already long workdays, with limited time in the evenings to spend with family or on self-care.
COVID-19 has forced businesses to re-evaluate the importance of their employees physical and mental health. Keeping employees healthy has thankfully become a primary objective. Employees working from home enjoy the flexibility and balance of being at home. By eliminating long and draining commute times, we can start our day refreshed. Those working from home can have more time with their families, time for breaks, and thus an increase in productivity.
The concept of remote work is evolving from working at home to working from anywhere. Large tech companies are publicly embracing a remote work model, including Twitter, Facebook, and Shopify. By following in their footsteps businesses who leverage remote capabilities can realize benefits such as:
- Expanded access to a talent pool by finding employees anywhere in the world
- Retaining great employees that may need to relocate for any reason
- Developing a strong mutual trust with their employees
- Happy and healthy employees with well balanced lives
- Reduction in operating and capital expenses
Many businesses have headquarters, as well as additional offices around the country, or globally. Embracing a work from anywhere model can allow the company to re-allocate costs that were previously spent on rent and operations for running offices, to enhancing infrastructure, encouraging digital transformation by investing in technology, comprehensive employee onboarding and retainment. Businesses can still offer retail space (albeit smaller spaces) to allow for collaboration and in person meetings where they need to occur.
The pandemic has forced companies re-evaluate day to day operations. Presently, re-gaining physical presence for employees comes with strict requirements. Most notably in areas like physical distancing and continuous access to personal protective equipment. This is a dilemma that businesses must resolve.