Jan 16, 2023 • 5 min read
Telecommuting has been around for decades, but it wasn’t until the Covid-19 pandemic that the concept really took off. Today, there is a significant number of Americans who work remotely full-time, with remote employees saying they’re able to do their job better because they don’t have to commute. But while remote working might seem like a modern phenomenon, many companies actually began allowing employees to telecommute long ago, e.g. IBM. The trend is accelerating rapidly.
And while most of us think of telecommuting as something you do at home, it’s increasingly becoming possible to work remotely at any location. Companies such as Amazon, Microsoft, Facebook, Apple, and Salesforce have all opened offices where employees can work remotely. As technology continues to improve, the barriers to doing so continue to fall away. For example, video conferencing apps like Zoom allow businesses to connect virtually without having to set up expensive equipment. In addition, cloud computing allows companies to store data online, giving employees access to files anywhere, anytime. This makes it easier for them to collaborate with colleagues across the globe.
Remote work is becoming increasingly popular among companies around the world, especially in North America where it is often seen as a cost cutting measure. Remote and hybrid companies see lower real estate costs, overhead cost, etc. However, there are many different types of remote work environments, and some employers find that they don’t work well for their employees.
In fact, according to a survey conducted by FlexJobs, nearly half of respondents reported that they had experienced problems with remote work. Some common issues include lack of communication, isolation, and difficulties managing projects. While some people thrive in a remote environment, others struggle and require support from managers and colleagues. For example, one study found that employees who worked remotely felt isolated because they didn’t have access to co-workers’ expertise and advice. Another issue that affects remote workers is burnout. A recent study revealed that remote workers experience higher levels of emotional exhaustion compared to office workers. This could be due to the fact that remote workers tend to work longer hours without breaks. However, another reason why remote workers might feel exhausted is that they’re missing out on social interactions. Research suggests that face-to face meetings help us build relationships and foster trust. These benefits aren’t present in a virtual setting. The bottom line is that remote work isn’t always beneficial for everyone. If you decide to try it, make sure you understand how it works for you and what you’ll need to do to succeed.
Use the DigiWorks platform to hire, manage, and pay remote talent from all over the world.
While remote work might not be a new concept the level of remote work now has evolved due to technology advancements. We can do a lot more from our homes as a result of remote work software and tools. We can talk to each other, see what others are seeing, and even collaborate together. This is called video conferencing. And there are many different types of video conferencing tools out there. For example, Zoom is one of the most popular ones. Video conferencing allows people across the globe to communicate with each other in real time, no matter where they live. It’s basically like having a face-to face conversation with someone else, except you don’t have to physically be in the same room. You can use video conferencing software to connect with colleagues, friends, family members, clients, and customers. Companies are providing shared workspaces for remote workers to collaborate together. They offer free WiFi access, conference rooms, and dedicated support teams. These spaces allow remote workers to feel comfortable and productive while still maintaining social distancing. Online conferencing services and online collaboration tools greatly contribute to communication and team collaboration. Teams can provide company updates on instant communication software like Slack and Teams. In-person meetings in a physical space can be an ineffective use of time and resources. With the right company and online office culture, remote and hybrid teams can thrive.
There are several ways companies can leverage remote work during a crisis like COVID-19. Here are some examples:
Remote work is becoming increasingly popular among businesses around the world, with the number of remote workers set to increase. While it’s true that remote work offers several benefits, such as greater flexibility and lower overhead costs, there are still many barriers. There are many reasons why remote work hasn’t become mainstream just yet. For example, many organization struggle to find qualified candidates willing to move away from traditional office environments. Also, many people don’t know how to use technology effectively while working remotely. A study on remote work carried out by Buffer showed that 75% of remote employees indicated that their companies don’t cover internet costs.
The good news is that things are changing. More and more companies are adopting remote work policies, and some even provide free or low cost coworking spaces for their workers.
Companies should adopt remote working policies to attract and retain talent. Employees who feel like they belong to a team are more likely to perform better and stick around longer. Also, remote workers tend to be more engaged and happy than those who work in an office. According to research conducted, 37% of remote workers would take a pay reduction of 10% to continue to work from home. This shows how more and more workers are prioritizing the flexibility and convenience of remote work. Remote work is predicted to steadily increase in the future, aided by advancements in remote work software, virtual conferencing and mobile tools. AI is said to also play a card in the future of managing remote teams.
Use the DigiWorks platform to hire, manage, and pay remote talent from all over the world.
Using virtual assistant companies or virtual assistant marketplaces like DigiWorks is a great help when looking to hire a remote worker or virtual assistant. Delegating your repetitive and time-consuming tasks would treating improve the daily lives of business owners. When hiring remote team members, the most important thing is that they are vetted. The DigiWorks platform helps business owners build their remote teams with 100% vetted VAs. Speak to us today to find out more!
DigiWorks is an easy-to use platform that helps small businesses and start ups hire amazing remote talent from around the world. DigiWorks offers a way for you to hire, manage and pay people from all countries. If you find an amazing virtual assistant from Philippines, a content writer from Nigeria, or operations manager from South Africa – manage and pay your entire team from one platform with no hassle.