Remote Work, the Way of the Future?
~ by Mohit Advani
Much has been discussed about the possible impacts of the pandemic on the way organizations function and what work models will look like post-pandemic. Once this is behind us, every organization will have to assess what works best for their business.
Who Benefits from Remote Working Models and How?
There has been a lot of deliberation around remote working and how organizations need to reconfigure themselves or change to adapt to it. While it is one thing to plan for it when we are forced to, once this is behind us, there is a temptation to return to the office.
This got me wondering… If an organization is truly motivated to have its employees work remotely, what kind of agreement and commitment would be required from both the Organization and its Employees to make this a mutually beneficial experience?
Organizations and Employees Must Have Mutual Respect and Trust
First, an organization and its employees must have ascertained a relationship based on RESPECT and MUTUAL TRUST meaning both parties know that they will do what is in the best interest of the other. Every member on the team must be ACCOUNTABLE for their part.
Organizations Must Set Goals and Expectations
To enable this, leadership must set clear GOALS for the organization and EXPECTATIONS from the team members.
Employees Must Conduct Themselves Professionally with the Flexibility of Working Remote
While the team should be given a reasonable amount of FLEXIBILITY to fulfill their responsibilities, they must assume the utmost PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT to deliver regularly and consistently on the same.
Organizations Must Establish Well-Defined Communication Processes
To complement this, there should be a well-defined COMMUNICATION process to allow for consistent updates and regular FEEDBACK, ensuring CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT.
Organizations and Employees Must Engage and Commit to Transparency
Organizations and Employees need to ENGAGE with each other regularly with the utmost possible TRANSPARENCY – constant dialogue is KEY to the success of the remote work model.
How to Keep the Lines Between Work and Life Clear
Remote working was a benefit provided in the past and people would look forward to utilizing it on occasion, but now that it has become a constant reality, the line between work and life has completely blurred leading to fatigue and burnout.
Organizations Must Provide Schedules for Good Work / Life Balance
Organizations must provide conducive work schedules to ensure a good WORK / LIFE BALANCE for their Employees and it is imperative that Employees define the boundaries between work and life.
Employees Should be Encouraged to Pursue Interests Outside of Work
We must also encourage Employees to follow interests outside of work, as I sincerely believe that passionate individuals make for motivated Employees.
Working Remote Can be Mutually Beneficial to All Parties
The Pros of the remote working model far outweigh the cons if approached correctly. If every member on the team plays their part, it is a win-win for both the organization and the team.
Remote Working Cannot be the Only Option Despite its Benefits
The Organization must make two further commitments.
First, help create a viable remote environment for its Employees and provide them with a good home office setup to enable them work comfortably and efficiently.
Second, recognize that remote working cannot be the only option. Some employees want and need to return to an office environment. Organizations will need to consider hybrid models to provide their employees with the required options because one size does not fit all.
Mohit Advani is a Director of CastleBay Infotech, the offshore delivery center for CastleBay Companies. He has been the driving force behind the launch of CastleBay Infotech, and leads the day-to-day operations of the organization, including talent recruitment and management.