DAN CEARNS The Standard
With news of a new administration in the United States, a number of executive orders have already been signed. One of those has to do with remote work.
This order, in particular, is calling on federal workers to leave remote situations and return to the office. Mostly due to suspected abuse and lack of accountability within these work conditions. While this is an order impacting the United States, we do know, in some ways, what happens there impacts politics and issues here as well.
As someone who largely works from home in this job, I can tell you there are many benefits to remote work. For many people, it frees you from distraction. You can create a section of the house where you have what you need, to do your job, close the door and focus on that. On the same note, it helps with work life balance, as employees feel more able to create work schedules which work for them. When employees are happier or more comfortable, it makes it easier for businesses to retain them as well.
Of course, we can’t forget the environmental impact. The more workers cut down on their commutes, the fewer emissions will be released. Not to mention, fewer cars makes the roads much safer and easier for the police services to monitor. Having workers at home helps businesses cut down on electricity, address size requirements and other costs, as well.
As always, the world has changed over the years. Now, technology, like email, cellphones, and video conferencing sites such as Zoom make it possible for some employees to work pretty much anywhere. In my opinion, if you have an advantage, you might as well use it.
I know remote work doesn’t work, logistically, for every job and is not everyone’s first choice. Yet I think, if you can offer the option, businesses and governments should. It very well could end up having some surprise benefits for your business or your employees.
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