With the advancement of technology, virtual work has become an option of choice for many companies. Working from home also helps achieve a better balance between work and personal life.
But is it really the best option for everyone? If we have the right technology to do it and our job role allows it, should we all switch to this working model? Let’s look at the main reasons to work from home!
Summary
- Remote work has been developing steadily over the decades, and with increasing speed in recent years. And it has proven itself beneficial for both companies and employees.
- Companies that enable virtual work can benefit from it. Workers can also take advantage of this attractive alternative.
- In order to work from home, there are several factors to consider, both on the part of the organization and the employee. In some cases, the best choice is face-to-face, either because of the nature of the job or the availability of technology.
What you should know about virtual work
Virtual work has taken off in recent years, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. The global situation has encouraged the development and implementation of teleworking in previously unthinkable areas.
This new alternative can bring many benefits to both the organization and the employee, so let’s look together at the main reasons to work from home.
1. Work from your own space
Virtual work is the work that the employee performs remotely outside the organization’s premises. To do so, he/she must have the appropriate technological devices, such as a computer or cell phone with the necessary programs or apps.
There are some functions that can be developed completely virtually, while others have better productivity with a hybrid model. Some tasks are carried out exclusively in person.
2. You can arrange your time how you want
There are several reasons to choose to work from home, when the role allows it:
- Employees can use the commuting time they had available for their office to their advantage.
- Employee productivity can be improved by reducing the distractions associated with long meetings, calls, etc.
- The home office allows for a better work-life balance for the employee.
- Remote work allows the organization to save costs.
- Virtuality benefits talents that do not reside near the company and can still be part of it.
| Advantages | Remote work | On-site work |
|---|---|---|
| Travelling to work | NO | YES |
| Work-life balance | YES | NO |
| Reduced expenses | YES | NO |
3. Incorporate new strategies that will help you perform better
Virtual work has escalated rapidly, and this has put the focus on the functional and regulatory needs of this working model. While there are lots of great benefits of remote work, challenges have also been raised regarding the well-being of workers.
One of the greatest challenges can be seen in the field of teaching, which has had to reinvent itself at various levels of its structure.
Remote work in the educational environment
One of the social sectors that had to adapt very quickly to this new work situation was the educational environment. Although distant education had already existed, it had to adapt to a much bigger scenario which, for the most part, did not have any previous preparation.
Thus, teachers had to rethink strategies and resources to do their work remotely. This implied new planning, presentations, and an innovative connection with the student.
Remote work and family life
Also, remote working can sometimes be stressful if it takes place alongside certain family situations. It is essential to establish policies that promote a balance between the employee’s work and family life to maximize their performance.
4. Achieve greater productivity from home
A study conducted by a travel agency found a 13% increase in productivity when people work from home. On the other hand, there are studies that indicate that this increase may depend on the type of function performed, with the index being more positive in creative work, and less so in complex functions or those involving emergencies.
Some authors suggest that remote working is a great ally, but when it is performed alternately between the office and home, it will generate better benefits for both parties.
5. Make sure you have the necessary technological tools available
There are different types of IT tools or technological devices that will be necessary when considering remote work, among them, we can find:
- Computer.
- Cell phone.
- Internet connection.
- Programs to exchange information, chat, and videoconferencing applications.
In addition to the aforementioned tools, it is important to have an adequate workspace, basic knowledge of technology and the company’s management systems, and self-management skills.
6. If you are a creative worker, this is an excellent option for you
There are some tasks that can be done virtually in an optimal way. In general, these are tasks that involve creative work, agenda organization, strategic planning, etc.
On the other hand, there are roles that require an exclusive presence and therefore cannot be done remotely. These include housekeeping staff, drivers, construction workers, farmers, security workers, health care workers, etc.
| Work | Possibility of remote work | Possibility of on-site work |
|---|---|---|
| Office Manager | YES | YES |
| Athlete | NO | YES |
| Teacher | YES | YES |
| Community Manager | YES | YES |
| Driver | NO | YES |
7. Don’t confuse virtual work with freelance work
Freelancing is a type of work that implies that a person works independently for a contracted company. In general, these are short- or medium-term projects, without timetable control, but rather based on the completion of the task. There is no relationship of dependence.
Although freelance work is usually done remotely, this is not an exclusive requirement. A freelancer could well complete his/her task from the company’s office, and with his/her technological devices.
8. Tips to take into account when choosing this way of working
When faced with a choice of working arrangements, you could consider the following factors that best suit your organization.
- It allows more flexible working hours.
- It allows you to choose the place where to perform the task, taking the computer or telephone to the location of your choice.
- Avoids travel time to and from the workplace.
- It supports the employee’s work-life balance.
- Possible problems in the fluidity of communication between colleagues.
- In some cases, it may increase the feeling of loneliness.
- Sometimes it is more difficult to disconnect from work.
- Some studies have reported health issues, such as stress or depression.
Conclusion
Working from home has been around for a long time, but its peak was only a couple of years ago. This made it possible to establish different ways of doing work, which can be exclusive (face-to-face or remote) or hybrid.
Employers will have to establish and coordinate remote work, in order to empower their workers. Also, to review the work process to see the real possibilities of remote working, depending on the type of job role, for the benefit of both the employee and the organization.
