Is teleworking the new norm?
With the current world crisis we are enduring, it is apparent we are moving towards a contactless way of doing business. In fact, according to forbes, 58% of americans are now based at home and conducting their daily operations remotely.
58% of american knowledge workers are now working remotely - forbesThis is a significant increase in country wide operations. We are living in modern times and businesses must adjust to this new age way of running their businesses.
What is telework?
Commonly known as telecommuting, telework is simply the implementation of working from home utilizing equipment and tools such as the internet, email, and telephone, most of the time mainly working from a laptop without sacrificing customer service and/or company expectations.
definition of telework is a form of employment in which the employer and employee are at a considerable distance from each other, transmitting and receiving terms of reference, work results and pay using modern means of communication.
- Advantages of remote work for business organization:
- mobility.
- flexibility.
- savings on office rent and maintenance costs
- reduction in sick leave costs
- the opportunity to attract employees from other cities or countries to work in the company.
Define telework: working from home with remote communication tools
This by no means, is new within the business community. However, due to the current world crisis, employers have been forced to implement these new strategies.
Within this new arrangement between employers and employees, it is expected that with the proper equipment (usually provided by the employer), the employee is expected to perform at the same level, if not higher.
Telecommute meaning: the ability to perform some or all of the work days commute from another location such as home
What does telework look entail?
Initially, setting up employees to work remotely is a behemoth of a challenge. However, if planned correctly, an employer can maximize profits by minimizing overhead costs.
In other words, without having to pay for electricity or rent (to mention a few), an employer can reduce their monthly costs significantly. An initial investment of equipment for employees is one of the first steps to get the inial setup in motion.
If contemplated this way, it can become a positive implementation instead of a negative one.
What type of equipment is needed/required?
In today's technologically savvy society, most employees already have the necessary equipment to conduct business from home. Equipment like smartphones, high-speed internet connections, a laptop computer, and other work from home essentials equipment are already part of the typical american household
So, employers have the ability to minimize costs when providing equipment. This is not to state the obvious, however, if an employee has the necessary equipment, then compensation packages must be in place to incentivize working remotely.
Other notable items needed to be provided may include:
- Printers
- Scanners
- Portable wifi devices such as portable wifi projectors
- Webcams (preferably high definition)
- Video conference licenses (for larger groups)
- Windows programs such as Office 365 or Gmail G Suite and other pertinent software licenses
What are the drawbacks of teleworking?
For starters, accountability issues are a growing concern for employers that are still being configured. For employees themselves, this is a good opportunity to enjoy a bit of comfort from your home.
However, be forewarned, the tempo of duties has increased with teleworking. Due to the inevitable challenges, more tasks are needed to be completed without an end in sight.
For now, as we all get acquainted with this new way of running a business, we are left with the wonder of timeframe. Currently, no change is to be expected, and teleworking is the way of the future.
Is teleworking complicated?
On the contrary, as long as you're computer and technology savvy, it can be quite enjoyable. Think of it this way; your daily tasks (unless you have a virtual meeting) can be conducted in regular attire instead of the typical suit or uniform.
But beware, ensure to keep distractions away as it can be extremely difficult to complete tasks with family around.