The timing was perfect early in 2020 when the technology was primed and COVID-19 came to South African shores.  The collision of these circumstances had the same result for every workplace. 

Whoever can work from home stays at home. 

This changed everything.  30 years ago the type of work we are now doing from home offices would have been unthinkable.  2 years ago we might never have predicted a national lockdown.

The present reality is that most office workers have been able to perform their duties away from the dangers of the office and other people.  What might this mean for the future?

People have seen the benefits of remote work.  They can spend more time with their families, work in their own space and avoid the hassle of the daily commute. 

Businesses have learned that people can be as productive or even more productive at home than in the office.  They have begun considering whether the rent of that big empty building is really worth the money. 

While many businesses are likely to return to their offices after the pandemic, many more are not. 

Here are some things to consider before going remote.

Policies:

• Consider weighing the benefits to rigid working hours against a more flexible results-oriented approach.
• What security measures should be put in place? Data?  Equipment?
• Do workers have access to quality internet and the space to work?
• Will you consider a new hire’s ability to work independently from home in the future?

Technology:

• How will teams communicate with each other?
• How will documents and information be shared?
• How will supervisors have oversight?
• How will management track productivity?

This might become the new normal.  Are you keen for Remote Work to be here to stay?