Remote working has received a lot of attention in recent years. Much of this is because of the global pandemic which forced companies to get people working remotely.
However, despite its recent popularity, remote working is not a new fad. In fact, before the industrial revolution, it was normal for people to work from home and sell what they had made or grown. Of course, this isn’t quite the same as remote working as people generally worked for themselves.
But, in 1973, the term ‘telecommuting’ was used and five workers for IBM tested the possibility of working from home. By 1983 IBM had 2,000 call centre staff working from home. All they needed was a telephone.
Remote Working Today
It’s estimated that 64% of workers in 2020 were working from home. The dramatic increase is partly connected to the global pandemic. However, there are other reasons remote working is remaining popular and 90% of workers want to continue working from home:
- Flexibility
Today, there is significantly more emphasis on the work-life balance. It’s often a juggling act but remote working helps individuals be more flexible. It allows them to take care of their family, improve their work-life balance, and doesn’t affect productivity.
- Advanced Software
Telecommuting was possible if you had a phone and did all your work by phone. In the modern digital world, you can download a huge array of software options, allowing home workers to connect to everything as though they were in the office.
All you need is the right training for staff, which starts with the best business courses online, and you’ll have staff that are capable of doing everything from home.
What’s In Store For The Future
There is little doubt that many remote workers want to continue working from home.
- It’s Practical
It’s much easier to turn a computer on at home and start working than it is to commute to the office. Because you can access everything from home it’s a practical solution.
- Saves Money
Employees save money by not having to commute. Businesses save money by needing less office space. That makes it beneficial for everyone.
- Timesaving
Considering the average Australian commute takes 48 minutes per day. That’s a lot of time that could be spent with family or even doing a little more work.
- More Productive
You may be surprised but the truth is remote workers are generally more productive than those sat in the office. A lack of distractions and an eagerness to finish helps.
Improvements in technology have made it possible for many jobs to be done just as well from home as they can be from an office. This, and an increased awareness of hygiene and health issues are convincing more people that remote working is the right option.
The future is likely to see an increase in the number of remote possibilities and more people working from home. With the right attitude, this could be a lucrative opportunity for companies prepared to train and trust their staff.
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