Before the pandemic, remote working was rare. During this past year, with stay at home orders and national lockdowns, it has become more common. Businesses and their employees had to adapt quickly in order to keep working. With restrictions easing, what is the future of remote working?
New Normal
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It appears that remote working will become a permanent part of UK businesses, according to recent surveys. One, conducted by the Institute of Directors, revealed that 74% of firms planned on maintaining the increase in home working. Alongside an academic study which found that 9 out of 10 workers would like to continue working from home in one way or another. These findings suggest that working from home will play a more prominent role going forward. It could be likely that some form of hybrid between office and remote working will be offered to employees.
Travel Opportunities
Remote working lends itself to flexibility. When the commute and the workplace are no longer strictly necessary, people can opt to work wherever they like. This creates more travel opportunities. For instance, rather than save a getaway for the weekend, you could escape the bustle of the city, and spend a week by the coast in Portsmouth. Taken further, it could even be an opportunity for a nomadic lifestyle. Time zones and schedules permitting, you could work all over the world.
More Time
Another benefit of remote working is the added time it gives you. The hours spent travelling to and from work are yours to spend as you like. A survey conducted by Huawei found that 53% of respondents enjoyed being able to schedule their working day. Remote working allows you more control over your time, but make sure to create a clear boundary for your working hours.
Make it Work
Each person is different when it comes to remote working. You need to find strategies that work for you. There are lots of tips for working from home. These include sticking to a routine, creating a dedicated workspace and giving yourself breaks. Remote working is great in terms of flexibility and travel opportunities but it can be a strain on your mental well-being. So find ways that make it more manageable for you.
It looks like remote working is here to stay. For some people, it will become a permanent way of life. Whereas others will experience a hybrid of home and office workings. What are your thoughts on remote working?
