After the pandemic, corporate offices realized that many jobs could be reduced to a few emails, phone calls and virtual meetings. Sure, virtual communication was not a new concept- people had always coordinated with overseas clients through virtual means.
A 2024 survey by Boundless reported that while 1 in 5 persons cannot work from home due to the nature of their job, from among those who can, 27% want a completely remote work arrangement. As you can see, the global work-force is sharply divided on this topic, with many people having strong views about remote work arrangements.
But the pandemic forced everyone to leave the office and join a zoom link from their home desk. While it was certainly uncomfortable and unfamiliar initially, soon people got used to it. Initially, many people struggled with motivation and work life balance.
As days passed, they figured their way around these obstacles, and became quite comfortable with this remote work arrangement. Today, remote work is considered a perk, rather than an optional adjustment. Remote work has changed a lot of things for us- not just the location of work, but also how we work, coordinate, take breaks, and meet goals.
In this article, we will dive into how remote work boosts productivity on one hand, which is a good thing from an organizational perspective. On the other hand, we will also talk about how it has given an opportunity for employees to challenge restrictive and conventional corporate practices related to how people should work. Let’s dive right in!
Remote work and productivity
Cut the commute, stay fresh for work
When employees work remotely, they don’t have to spend time and energy on travelling to the office. A German study by Ommeren (2011) shows that people who have longer commute are more often absent from work.
When long commute is involved, people need buffer time to settle down when they reach the office. But in a remote work arrangement, all you have to do is get dressed, open your laptop and you’re at work!
It is important to note that this feature is a double edged sword. When you are always a few steps away from your laptop, you might not feel like you have mentally checked out from work, even on a break.
When you commute, you at least feel like you are physically away from the workplace. One has to really maintain a strict no-work policy during breaks and outside of work hours, including supervisors!
Less distractions, more focus
Everyone has at least once, had a desk mate or cubicle neighbor who doesn’t know how to maintain silence. Apart from your immediate neighbor, the overall chatter and chaos in the office, your friends stopping by for informal conversations, extended coffee breaks, etc. can really hinder your work flow.
But when you are at home, you can choose your quiet spot, and control who can contact you at all times. Of course, this again, requires immense personal discipline. For those who can’t stick to schedules, working from home can lead to more time being wasted by scrolling on the phone, watching TV, and doing other activities that one can’t do in an office.
Flexible work hours
If you don’t like a strict 9 to 5 schedule, the logical thing to do is request for flexible work hours. But that cannot happen when you are in a physical office. You have to get your work done before the building closes down for the day. But John (2017) discovered that strategic implementation of flexible work hour arrangements can boost organizational productivity.
In a remote work arrangement, it is easier for supervisors to give more flexible hours to their employees, for tasks that are not time sensitive. Employees who thrive on flexibility will certainly be more productive in such an arrangement. An obvious downside is that some people might use online flexible hours to procrastinate and do personal tasks during those work hours.
Challenging corporate culture through remote work
Have you ever felt like the rules and regulations of the corporate world are too much to handle? Do you believe certain norms and practices are unnecessary and counterproductive? If yes, then you are not alone.
During the pandemic, companies became leaner and hired lesser people. As everything was cut down to the essentials, people realized that certain aspects of the corporate culture were simply decorative, and had no functional value.
Take for example, having a separate corner office for the CEO. As more startups sprung up in small spaces, they realized that the CEO didn’t need to sit away, isolated from her team. She could just sit on a desk like everyone else. This way, not only does she stay in the loop about day to day tasks of the office, but also gives a sense of greater transparency and approachability.
Now, let’s take a look at how remote work practices have challenged certain age old customs of corporate culture.
Productivity over punctuality
When factories, stores, and administrative offices first opened up in the USA, it was mandatory for employees to clock in and out using a punch-card or a register. It was very important for the employees to prove their presence in the office. Arriving late, leaving early or being absent from work was frowned upon.
Today, these practices seem extreme and rather silly. People no longer have to be physically present in the office to start work. Many people get stuck in traffic, stranded indoors because of bad weather, have trouble finding a ride to work, etc. In such scenarios they can easily access their work files from another device.
So, managers need to emphasize productivity and be more flexible with work timings. As long as tasks are completed and clients are happy, they need to appreciate employees for their contribution. In fact, more vacation days and provisions for sick leaves, in light of the pandemic as a recent health crisis, is bound to boost productivity, rather than hinder it.
Output over outfits
In remote work arrangements, employees feel comfortable dressing more casually. Gone are the days when people were expected to wear full sleeved shirts, ties, shoes and socks. Comfort is the mantra of modern fashion, and corporate teams are following suit.
It’s time for managers to be more open minded and flexible about dress codes in the workplace. The emphasis needs to shift from “dressing for the job you want” to “working for the job you want” At the end of the day, comfortable attire will only make people happier and more productive.
If you are a supporter of remote work culture, we hope this article gave you food for thought about the implications of remote work for corporate policies and the modern workforce. Keep learning, and advocate for yourself!
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