According to Owl Labs and Global Workplace Analytics, almost 50% of US workers would take a pay cut to keep working remotely after the threat of COVID-19 passes. The pandemic has changed the face of the workplace, sending more employees home to Zoom and their computer screens and requiring employers to learn the best ways to manage employees from home.
Employers Should Keep up on Developments and Legislation Designed to Regulate Remote Work
Countries worldwide have responded to the surge in remote and flexi working by passing legislation designed to protect workers and help their bosses navigate the new arrangements. When COVID no longer keeps offices communicating virtually by necessity, many employees will still want the option to work remotely or on a flexible schedule. The pandemic taught workers and their employers that remote working didn’t cause routines or businesses to fall apart. Part-time and full-time work-from-home staff also cut down on overhead costs and, in many cases, were more productive than if they worked in an office. The new world of work is likely to continue far beyond this pandemic, so employers should keep up on developments and legislation designed to regulate remote work and flexible scheduling.
Use Technology to Make Remote Work Easier
One way to improve the remote work experience is through technology. Zoom meetings have become the norm, and platforms like Slack and Skype keep employees, teams, and employers in the loop every day. Other technologies bosses can take advantage of include:
- Cloud-based file sharing like Dropbox or Google Drive for easy access
- Cloud-based project-management apps like Trello and Asana to let teams collaborate online from their devices no matter where they work
- Mobile communication tools like portable Wi-Fi hubs and mobile-based apps to keep teams connected
- Remote screen sharing software to keep everyone on the same page
Remote screen sharing lets employees and their employers or teams of people collaborate on a project in real-time while they’re all looking at the same screen. Employees can also use this technology to access a work computer from home if everything isn’t already available in the cloud. Screen sharing lets people express ideas with practically no risk of confusion. Employers can use remote screen sharing during interviews to see a candidate demonstrate proficiency with a piece of software, for instance. Meetings, projects, brainstorming sessions, and IT assistance also benefit when everyone sees the same screen.
Attract the Best Talent With Remote Work Options
Workers understand the benefits of working from home in a way few did before 2020. To attract the best talent to a company, offer candidates the option of remote work at least on a part-time basis. Once all pandemic restrictions ease, it might not be necessary for public health to have employees working from home, but it’ll help the health of companies that continue the practice. When nearly half of the US workforce would take a pay cut to work from home, some top talent will be among them. To attract the best and brightest to a company, employers need to offer them perks other companies don’t. Remote work options will undoubtedly be part of that package.
Leave a Reply