How we work has been changing dramatically. Going to the ‘office’ no longer means commuting to sit in a cubicle for eight hours and then commute home. Remote working, though not the norm up until now, has in recent years become increasingly popular with both employers and employees. As a result, technology has evolved to facilitate this transition, opening opportunities and allowing us to work remotely anywhere in the world.
However, due to the recent advice from the UK Government, businesses were advised to work remotely where possible with little time to adjust to this style of working. Now that may seem like a big worry for many, but remote working in this technology rich era is now easier than ever before to set-up in the comfort of our own homes.
So, what does this mean for the future of remote working? Previously, for many employers setting up employees to work remotely seemed like daunting challenge. However, businesses have been forced to face their fears and many now see the advantages and successes of a remote workforce. This could now lead to companies reviewing their digital tools, making the future of remote working possible.
Set yourself up for success with a few simple remote working steps
- Maintain a daily routine
- Increase virtual communications with colleagues
- Take regular breaks away from your computer
- Create a work plan and set yourself goals
- Create a dedicated workspace
- Most importantly, remember when to ‘switch off’
So, you all know what remote working is, but how does it benefit us and how can we utilise the latest technology to soften this modern working approach?
Benefits for employees.
Allows for a flexible lifestyle
The biggest and most obvious benefit for employees is the flexible lifestyle that remote working offers. Unlike being stuck inside an office, remote employees can focus on the things that are important to them outside of work. For example, if you are a parent, you have the flexibility to start work earlier in the day so that you can take the time off when the children return from school.
Ignites passion and productivity
Now, you may think that remote workers get distracted by their surroundings. However, employees tend to do their best work outside the office and are more inspired by their surroundings. This increase in passion and inspiration in hand provides the boost to productivity that employers are concerned is lacking among remote workers.
Aids in the promotion of well-being
One topic that is highly discussed within every organisation is employee well-being. You may be surprised, but remote working plays a vital role in contributing to this. With no daily commute or long hours in the office away from family, you decrease the levels of stress and in turn increase your mental well-being.
Benefits for employers.
Talent pool
When it comes to selecting the right talent to help your business thrive, employers can often be limited to a certain geographical area. But, hiring remotely allows employers to search further afield for the ‘best of the best’. Hiring remotely is particularly useful if you require someone to be in a specific location or time zone. This also opens a wider selection of candidates who have the necessary skill set, reducing the time and cost it takes to train someone.
Employee Retention
This may surprise you, but when it comes to employing remote workers, it has a positive effect on employee retention. For example, flexible working is a big requirement among millennials. So, let’s put that into perspective. By 2025, Millennials will make up 75% of the global workforce.
Cost saving
If as an employer you watch those pennies, switching to a remote workforce can decrease your workplace, and utility bills, saving you hundreds a year. But a remote workforce doesn’t just save money for the employer. Working remotely can also benefit us as employees with the elimination of the daily commute.
We can see that there is an increasing number of benefits to remote working for both employers and employees. That aside, what technology is available to aid us and how can we utilise it in our daily remote working lives?
Technology has rapidly evolved over the decades opening opportunities that we now see today. There are many options available when it comes to software that can assist us, so let’s look at a few.
Technology that aids our remote lives.
Evernote
As an organisational tool and somewhere to store to-do lists, Evernote is key for staying organised. Everything can be arranged in folders and handwritten notes can be scanned in for safe keeping.
Trello
If you’re managing multiple projects, Trellos colour-coded interface and projects boards helps to keep all your projects organised and on track.
Slack
Like several messaging tools, Slack is a group messaging app that lets you stay in touch with co-workers wherever they are. Donut, a Slackbot, promises to build company culture and can introduce you to co-workers you might otherwise not meet.
Zoom and Microsoft Teams
When we work remotely, video conferencing is the closest we’ll get to interacting in real-time with our colleagues, managers and clients. This software is vital for communicating and maintain a team bond.
How we at eSift are utilising technology for remote working.
At eSift, we strongly believe in using technology to enable us to be effective, productive and serve our clients in all their recruitment needs.
We share files internally and communicate with colleagues using Microsoft Teams and have a cutting-edge telephone system that allows us to connect remotely to the office landlines, so we can be ‘in the office’ even when we’re working remotely.
Working with clients and candidates remotely is achieved through video conferencing and is now more important than ever as we navigate the current economic climate.
‘The health & wellbeing of our team is at the forefront of any decision we make as a business. That’s why we wanted to ensure we offered a range of platforms for us all to collaborate on and stay in touch including Teams, WhatsApp and Zoom. We have also implemented a wellbeing policy focused specifically on home working. We have found productivity and positivity have continued to increase, so feel confident in expanding our remote working options once we get through these uncertain times.
Lauren Morley, Operations Manager
So, we have covered the benefits and technology that allow us to work remotely and we can clearly see that it is now easier than ever before thanks to the advancement of software available to us in this digital landscape.
