Remote employment is growing as a way to reduce costs and
expenses while still encouraging higher levels of productivity. According to a ConnectSolutions
survey, virtual employees were happier and more productive than those who went
into the office every day. The new way of doing business may have a positive
impact beyond simply saving on commuting and facilities costs. The secondary
benefits should be included in any cost analysis for corporate policy making.
Remote work policies are increasing across the country and
32% of employee’s state that they work this way at least some of the time. The
survey also found that 27% of employees are working remotely full-time. This
would mean that the workplace is starting to shift in terms of moving from
traditional structures to virtual structures.
Employees are also taking their mobile devices and lap tops home
and hanging out in cafes, libraries, pools and other locations making their
work more interesting and appealing. The employees also indicate that they are
more productive then they are in the traditional workplace. The quality of
their life is going up when 40% are getting more sleep, 32% more exercise, and 33%
are spending more time with loved ones.
If your workers have the blues it might be interesting to
find that 63% of people have a more positive view of their work. Somewhere in
the process they become happier with their work situations and their employer’s
flexibility. This can lead to higher levels of skill retention and employee
satisfaction with 100% of family oriented women said they would stay with their
employer.
The survey’s findings are interesting but should not be
considered conclusive in itself. Additional surveys matched against the
performance of companies would lead to higher levels of cross analysis. Such
surveys do add to the body of knowledge on virtual models but will still
require additional surveys, research, and historical analysis to create solid
conclusions.
The virtual model isn’t fully developed yet and will
continue to grow and change as it faces new market challenges. The type of
employee that can work well within a virtual environment may parallel those
that would do well with online learning. A higher level of intrinsic motivation
and interest in the type of work may be needed. Working from home can lead to
incredible amount of distractions if one hasn’t the disciplined to stay
focused.
