5 Reflections on Remote Working: Benefits, Challenges & Opportunities

innovative methods of working

Working remotely is here to stay. In the coming years, 50% of the UK workforce is expected to work remotely or outside of an office.

What a significant statistic! But it's simple to understand why.

The advantages of remote or flexible working are obvious. Although the concept is not new, there is now technology that will make carrying it out successfully much simpler and less expensive.

Here are 5 considerations you should make before creating a remote working policy.

1. Working Environme

One question comes up more often than any other when I mention that I work from home: how do I get anything done?

They undoubtedly conjure up ideas of pyjamas and TV shows to watch in the background.

Obviously, fostering a productive workplace is how work "gets done." For those considering working remotely, a comfortable, quiet workspace is essential.

After all, a lot of effort and money is spent on constructing offices that are conducive to work. temperature, swivel chairs, and lighting. You wouldn't lock your human resources manager in a soggy cellar.

2. Zero Commute – Health, Cost and Environmental Benefi

Nobody should have to travel for hours each day just to get to work.

One of the main advantages of remote work is avoiding the daily commute. Working from home is a desirable choice due to the advantages it offers in terms of health, finances, and the environment.

To name a few

saving money for employees (often hundreds of pounds per month).

minimises staff tardiness.

enables employees to begin working early.

improved impact on the environment (both locally and globally).

reduces costs for the organisation (can offer flexible working instead of higher wages).

3. Impact on Working Hours

Knowing when work starts and stops can be challenging for many remote workers. Continuous access to the workplace, especially through smartphones, necessitates making an intentional effort to "clock out." rather than just being able to depart the building when the day is over.

The impact of remote work on hours has been the subject of numerous research. Results can vary, especially when it comes to demographics. However, it is generally agreed that people who regularly work remotely or from home put in more hours each week than employees who work in offices.

4. Sickness

For office-based employees, the sick leave policy is very straightforward: if you're feeling well enough to work, come in; if you're not, take the day off.

But the distinctions are becoming more hazy for those who telecommute.

Many times, when people work from home, they take fewer sick days. It is frequently possible to work while feeling drowsy or sore at home because the effort of driving to the office is no longer required. Without being concerned with obnoxious looks from desks nearby or fear of catching what you brought with you.

This helps the number of sick people. But perhaps not so beneficial for business owners or the people who work for them.

5. Disconnection and Camaraderie

As far as I might be concerned, I'm right now composing this from my confidential work space; the main sound is a far off farm truck and a sliding breeze - newly crushed from the wood outside my window.

Contrast this with our office in Old Road, and you can see the reason why I'm thankful for a really long time at home.

Be that as it may, inevitably, with just your considerations and an intermittent call to end the quiet, it's not entirely obvious the feeling of 'stuff going on'. As indicated by the Eurofound report, quite possibly of the greatest issue confronting portable specialists is the absence of admittance to casual data sharing at work. for example general chit ch