Ever since COVID-19 hit the ground and took over the world, several governments have implemented various courses of action to curb the situation. One such measure that emerged during the pandemic while changing the realm of work culture is remote working. However, there was a time when remote work as we know it now had not even existed. Although technology has always been an important part of our lives, the widespread use of smartphones and the internet has resulted in significant change in the corporate arena. And, in a bid to keep business thriving while mitigating potential losses, various organizations across a wide range of industries, including digital marketing, have welcomed the reality with open arms.
Though the phenomenon’s emergence first surprised some, but, over time, it had proved to be the most welcoming and beneficial norm in a variety of ways. According to SCIKEY’s Talent Tech Outlook 2022 study, 82% of employees prefer remote working as compared to working in the office. While remote working has many advantages, such as improved work-life balance and flexibility, it has significantly impacted corporate culture and productivity. As a result of the move, we’ve discovered better methods to accomplish things. So, let’s look at how remote work affects corporate culture and productivity.
Impact on Corporate Culture and Productivity
Despite the fact that the influence of remote work on business culture and productivity is still being contested, the benefits of the norm are overpowering and have created a stir around the country. The ability to tap into a talent pool regardless of location is an essential benefit of remote working. As a result, organizations must implement new methods in their hiring and onboarding processes to ensure that new employees feel welcomed and integrated into the company culture while increasing productivity. Furthermore, the shift towards remote work culture indeed adds a lot of value to businesses by increasing productivity. However, at the same time, it benefits employees by reducing distractions, eliminating commuting, promoting healthy habits, and so on.
Productivity is another key benefit of remote employment. While some studies demonstrate that remote workers are more productive than those who work in regular office environments, there is no one-size-fits-all answer. And to justify the fact, Gartner has surveyed various individuals and found that half of Indian hybrid workers believe that working remotely increases their productivity. If truth be told, some employees get easily distracted or feel alone while working remotely, which reduces productivity. This is where leaders must understand each employee’s specific obstacles and provide the necessary support to help them succeed. This could involve giving the appropriate tools and technology, establishing clear expectations and goals, and promoting a good work-life balance.
Remote working, though with pros, also poses some concerns and challenges. Maintaining a solid company culture is one of the significant issues that firms face with a remote workforce. And as we know, culture is the glue that ties an organization together, and it cannot be easy to foster a sense of community and shared values when staff work remotely. Therefore, leaders must make a concerted effort to preserve culture through virtual team-building events, regular check-ins, and open communication so that remote workers feel involved and part of the team, even if they are physically separated.
REMOTE WORKING: BOON OR BANE?
There is no denying that the pandemic has disrupted people’s personal and professional lives, making remote working a reality of today. According to Markets and Markets, the global remote workplace service market is expected to grow by $58.5 billion by 2027, with a CAGR of 23.8%. Indeed, with the growing popularity of remote working, businesses must adapt to the new reality in order to stay competitive. While the norm has advantages such as flexibility, increased work-life balance, and ease of commuting, it also has certain hurdles to solve. As a result, organizations must understand the influence of remote working on company culture and productivity to grow and thrive in the business landscape.
An author is a founder at voxxy Media ( Experienced Entrepreneur & a seasoned professional in Online & Offline Media, Social Media Marketing & Technology )