This is an article ‘The Future of Work: Embracing Remote Work for Business Success’ by Marc Primo
The COVID-19 pandemic has changed how businesses operate these days, forcing many to shift rapidly towards remote work and automated processes worldwide. As more companies and their respective workforces adapted to this new reality, it became apparent that remote work, automation, and business tech are not just temporary solutions to an otherwise ephemeral disruption. Even after the pandemic, more have discovered the essential components they offer for business success.
But there is certainly more to explore regarding the benefits remote work has to offer, the role of automation in business operations, and the importance of leveraging advanced business technologies. So, read on and get practical and helpful insights to help your business and employees navigate the future of remote work.
What does remote work offer?
In a nutshell, remote work increases overall productivity and employee satisfaction. One study conducted by ConnectSolutions found that 77% of remote workers reported greater productivity, with 30% accomplishing more in less time. That's because remote work offers employees the flexibility to balance their work and personal lives, leading to increased job satisfaction and even a healthier life-work balance. It's not that difficult to see how with flexible work hours, employees can determine when they are most productive throughout the day and, in turn, reduce stress caused by rigid schedules from the usual office desk job.
Another significant advantage employees can take away from working remotely is the elimination of daily commutes. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the average American spends 26.6 minutes commuting each way, which adds up to nearly 200 hours per year. That's significant, especially for those who shuffle their family tasks with their nine-to-five jobs. To many, remote work has finally allowed them to reclaim more valuable time for their personal satisfaction, further improving their work performance.
Another benefit remote work offers businesses is a massive upturn in cost savings. Companies that embrace remote work can save on overhead costs such as rent, utilities, and office maintenance since most of their employees are willing to perform their jobs at home. For example, a study by Global Workplace Analytics estimated that businesses incur cost savings of around $11,000 per employee annually by allowing them to work from home, even just half the time.
Happier employees, higher productivity
Such hybrid work methods have also proven to lower employee turnover, given that satisfied employees are less likely to seek new job opportunities elsewhere. Aside from this, businesses can also gain broader access to untapped talent pools thanks to online means.
Online headhunters help businesses hire the best talents without geographic restrictions. This allows companies to diversify their workforce and tap into specialized skills available elsewhere. Plus, by offering remote work opportunities, more companies can attract top talent from around the world, fostering innovation and growth.
Since most consumers today prefer pro-people and planet brands, environmental and social benefits also come into play when adapting a remote work arrangement. Keeping employees working at home contributes to environmental sustainability as it reduces the carbon footprint associated with commuting and energy consumption.
According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), transportation accounts for an alarming 27% of total U.S. greenhouse gas emissions. Adapting a remote work arrangement with your employees helps reduce this impact by reducing vehicle usage. Additionally, fewer commuters can ease traffic congestion, improving the overall quality of life in urban areas and making it a win-win for both people and the planet.
The advantages of automation
For businesses that still struggle with how they can streamline specific business processes, there's no question that automation is the ultimate solution. Automation technologies, such as artificial intelligence (AI) and robotic process automation (RPA), have helped numerous businesses achieve faster and more reliable turnarounds, improving overall efficiency. By automating repetitive tasks such as monthly accounting, payrolls, or monitoring, companies can save time and resources while allowing employees to focus on more strategic and creative work.
Of course, automation also helps enhance employees' productivity by reducing the risk of human error and improving the accuracy of data-driven processes. According to Accenture, AI can potentially increase labor productivity by up to 40% by 2035. By embracing automation, businesses can stay competitive and maintain their edge in the market. Dismissing it, however, can lead to decreased numbers in all aspects of the business operation.
Given how critical tech automation is in today's business landscape, many are wondering how they can fluidly embrace the ''human-automation'' collaboration.
First, it's important to note that automation is not about replacing humans. It's more about creating new opportunities for collaboration between humans and machines. Companies can prepare their workforce for the future and create more job opportunities in emerging fields by reskilling and upskilling employees.
The human-automation collaboration
There are many aspects where businesses can adapt to a more productive human-automation collaboration. One of those has to do with the latest in communication and collaboration tools. Every business owner knows that effective communication is crucial when adapting to a remote work arrangement.
Such tools that made a splash during the height of the pandemic, including video conferencing platforms like Zoom and Microsoft Teams, continue to prove how essential they are in the new work environment. By allowing face-to-face interactions and combining project management tools like Trello and Asana, employers empower their employees to stay organized and on track with assigned tasks and projects.
Add to this the many instant messaging apps available online, like Slack, which can facilitate quick conversations and reduce email reliance on email. With these tools in place, your business is pretty much set with communication essentials.
Of course, the next step is ensuring your remote work systems' security since sensitive information is being exchanged online every day. As remote work becomes more prevalent, businesses must prioritize cybersecurity to protect their confidential information and maintain secure connections.
Implementing virtual private networks (VPNs) and multi-factor authentication protocols can safeguard remote access to company resources. Additionally, providing employee training on cybersecurity best practices will also help reduce the risk of significant data breaches.
Moving ahead in business through remote work
As everyone moves forward into the post-pandemic era, businesses must harness the power of remote work, automation, and advanced business tech. The aforementioned tools not only offer increased productivity and employee satisfaction but can also provide cost savings for consumers and businesses alike, access to a diverse talent pool, and environmental benefits.
By embracing these new working methods, companies can survive and thrive in an increasingly interconnected and digital world.
It's obvious how the journey toward remote work and automation may seem daunting at first. However, with the right approach, it can be an empowering and transformative experience for businesses and their staff. By fostering a culture of collaboration, continuous learning, and adaptability, companies can navigate the future of work with confidence and resilience.