Business Operations

By Mike Leigh

Executive Summary:

The myth that employees can no longer be trusted or productive working from home has been busted.

Send your questions or comments to Mike@ OpXSolutionsllc.com

To be, or not to be (remote)

Much has been written (with good reason) about the downside this pandemic has had on business operations. But as Albert Einstein is quoted as saying, “In the midst of every crisis, lies great opportunity.” Indeed, there is opportunity for those organizations who see it and can take advantage of it! One of the opportunities revealed to organizations from the COVID-19 crisis is the ability for teams and staff to successfully work remotely.

In a recent survey by YouGov, 54% of professionals reported their productivity increased working from home due to time saved from commuting, fewer distractions, and fewer meetings. The myth that employees can no longer be trusted or productive working from home has been busted. And some employers now realize that business trips can be reduced, and office expenses can be cut by taking advantage of remote working technology. However, there have been some challenges.

In the same survey however, 25% of respondents reported lower productivity because it is harder to share information with colleagues and many homes are not optimally setup for work. Others reported difficulties with home/work balance and increased loneliness. To compensate, some are spending more time on social media (37%) or making more phone calls to family and friends during the day (49%).

So - is this an opportunity your organization should pursue?

It really depends on each organization’s (and team member’s) needs. Obviously, there is some work that simply cannot be done remotely (such as most manual skill jobs). For those that can, however, it is not a simple decision. Factors you should consider are productivity, technology, the need for face-to-face teamwork, HR and legal policies, and most importantly, the specific needs of each employee. Careful consideration should be given to how and when to utilize remote workers, a policy that is equitable, well-communicated, and beneficial for all involved.

The word “crisis” comes from the Greek work “krisis”, which means decision. Generally, it means a decision point. The pandemic has indeed created many decision points that need to be addressed, including how your teams and employees will operate in the future. What will you decide?