A lot of things changed due to Covid-19.
One of the biggest of these changes was to the way we work.
Before the pandemic, remote work was seen as a luxury, reserved only for a select few. According to the Office of National Statistics (ONS), only around 12% of working adults reported working from home. But with the world coming to a standstill, companies had to adapt – and fast.
Now, in the wake of the pandemic, many companies are grappling with the decision of whether or not to bring their employees back into the office.
Although some insist on getting everyone back into the office, most are beginning to realise that remote work is here to stay.
In this newsletter, we explore why the companies that force employees to come back into the office will run into difficulties…
The rise of remote work
The past couple of years has seen a significant increase in remote work. The pandemic forced companies to invest in remote working infrastructure to keep their businesses running. Even businesses that had never implemented remote working before were forced to adapt. During the pandemic, levels of home working peaked with almost half of working adults (49%) having worked from home at some point within a 7-day period in the first half of 2020 (source: ONS report).
But now, according to ONS, around 40% of working adults reported having worked from home at some point within a 7-day period.
This shift in the workforce is not just a fad; it’s a trend that’s here to stay.
The benefits of flexibility and autonomy
Working from home allows people more flexibility and autonomy in their work-life balance. It allows people to work when they’re most productive, without the worry about commuting to and from work. And it also means they don’t have to compromise when it comes to their family – with the ability to fit work around school runs or key events. This is something that many aren’t willing to give up moving forwards.
The productivity and job satisfaction of remote workers
Remote work allows employees to create their own workspace, which can lead to increased productivity and job satisfaction. Many find working from home a less stressful environment, with fewer distractions. They can tailor their workspace to their specific needs and preferences, increasing their comfort levels. Being out of a traditional office environment avoids unnecessary distractions such as impromptu meetings, that cause unwanted breaks in their work – particularly true for many within the IT industry.
The risk of losing talent to competitors
Some companies have been slow to embrace remote work, insisting that their employees return back to the office as soon as possible. This insistence is misguided – it can easily lead to the loss of top talent to competitors who offer more flexibility. Many who have enjoyed the flexibility and autonomy of remote work are often unwilling to return to a rigid office-based schedule and will seek out other companies that can accommodate their needs.
The need to adapt and change
It’s important for companies to adapt to the changing workplace if they want to remain competitive. The pandemic has drastically changed the way we work, and employees are now seeking more flexibility and autonomy. With remote work no longer a perk, but rather a necessity, companies that refuse to acknowledge this will just end up falling behind their competitors.
It’s time for companies to embrace this new reality and adapt to the changing workplace.
Remember, having happy employees is key to a successful business. So, companies must adapt to this “new normal” where remote/hybrid work is a standard option for employees, where they can thrive in a more flexible work environment.
If you’re keen to find out more about how Mexa Solutions can help your workforce grow, get in contact with us via our website.
Or if you’re on the lookout for a new opportunity, why not take a look at our jobs page.
(source: ONS – https://www.ons.gov.uk/employmentandlabourmarket/peopleinwork/employmentandemployeetypes/articles/characteristicsofhomeworkersgreatbritain/september2022tojanuary2023)
