Need to work remote - a few thoughts ...
There has been a lot of articles, discussions and recent traction on remote work and related themes. This topic of discussion is not new but the it really has become a focal point given post covid realities. I wanted to just share some thoughts and see what others think.
The first question I wonder is, whether there is data or research out there that shows (post Covid) that companies who had flex policies are faring better vs companies who had no defined flex work policies? I do however argue that certain flexibility has always been around in every organization, but maybe more on a case by case basis?
I also feel that the employees wanting to work remotely is fueled by the notion that they can be as productive as they were while working at physical company premises. In some cases, they may even feel more productive than before Covid because they don’t have to contend with stressful commute and costs associated with it. The cost is not just gas, car, time but perhaps also health and less mental fatigue. The flexibility on offer to attend to things like doctor’s appointment for self and family, be able to take deliveries, take care of dependents, incorporating exercise/walk while having more time at home among many other incentives are good examples. As well, another big factor could be to have a home with lower real-estate valuations purely based on the location. The ability to have a house closer to other family members or friends can be very attractive, or possibly with more land for kids and pets, and that too at far lesser price than a little place closer to areas in high demand offering smaller commute to work location, which are typically in congested city centers.
Another trend I have noticed is that because employees had to work remote (partially or fully) for the last 1.5 or so years it actually has enhanced communication in some ways, maybe need to document things more? Water cooler discussions or ad hoc white boarding sessions are not an option which has certainly lend itself to better documentation and hence perhaps better clarity all around?
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Despite all this, we can’t forget the value of human interaction and social or cognitive benefits of working in an office. The sense of compassion, empathy and relatability to your coworkers is one of the key cornerstones of a fulfilled workplace. Great companies didn’t become great purely due to their products, market share, innovation or even individuals’ brilliance; they became great because they believed and fostered a great culture that allowed people to thrive personally and professionally. This little term “culture” is of critical importance for company growth and employee morale, and I am not sure how this will evolve if there is a sudden tide in favor of employees working remotely permanently. After all great leaders breed great leaders, sometimes by example and other times by inspiration, and I am uncertain whether these leadership and growth skills can be leveraged with full time remote work, in the near future anyway. Unless we evolve this new way of working very quickly, which is not expected as I feel it will happen over the next few years, I fear for breakdown of this essential socio-office interaction. We can’t and shouldn’t equate work to just a set of tasks, it needs to be more than that.
Lastly, I feel that the need or flexibility to work from home permanently is more of a psychological need than a real need. I feel employees just want to have that option, and most likely will be willing to work in an office if their role/job requires it. In some cases that option simply isn’t there, but my point above is beyond that. It’s like we are more likely to buy something even at slightly higher cost from someone who offers flexibility of terms; in many cases we don’t even exercise that flexibility but psychologically we perceive a better value. I wonder if someone has done any study on this as that would truly be fascinating.
I just wanted to post some raw thoughts and looking forward to hear some other thoughts out there. Happy Friday all, wherever everyone is working from 😊
Hi Mo - great points here. I think a balance (and flexibility) is the answer here - not just on a company level, but the employee level: Some employees work better in the office more often - the interaction and collaboration in-person is overly helpful for them. Some employees can function and focus better in a remote environment. I think the future looks like hybrid models for larger organization, with optionality baked in at the individual employee level to maximize talent. On-site still adds value!
One benefit of working from home is the ability to access global talent. I’m working with teams if people from all over Canada and the world now, because both the companies and the resources are more flexible because they are working from home. I probably would never have met these great people otherwise.
Well written Mo! I agree with your points. I think having couple of prefixed days in office for everyone to increase face to face interaction and collaboration and rest of the week flexible to benefit from wfh advantages can be a good middle ground. This is how Manulife's is going to address the issue and we'll see how it works when it comes to effect.
Very well articulated!!