What Does the Future of Telecommuting Look Like?

To say that the pandemic changed the workplace would be an enormous understatement. Some headlines suggest the office as we know it will disappear as employers adopt work from home policies. We don’t believe it’s that simple. So, what does the future of telecommuting look like?

We’re betting the future of telecommuting involves a nuanced hybrid system of working from home and part-time in the office.

A staff that fully works from home presents challenges, but a hybrid system and innovative solutions would address those challenges. We believe the future of telecommuting looks like a balancing act that would allow both employers and employees to reap the benefits while minimizing the drawbacks.

Let’s discuss the challenges to telecommuting, but before that, we should examine the benefits that make taking on those challenges worthwhile.

The Benefits of Telecommuting for Employees

To get a complete picture of the future of telecommuting, we need to look at how it benefits the employees and their employers. Here are the benefits for employees:

• Eliminates the dreaded commute:  1.5 million Canadians spend at least 60 minutes commuting to work every day. That’s time workers can spend on other activities.
• Better work-life balance: Eliminating the commute means more time for family and personal hobbies.
•  Reduces work-family conflict:  Telecommuting shrinks the gender gap in working hours and monthly earnings to help reduce conflict about finances at home.
• Promotes higher job satisfaction: These benefits add up and make employees feel greater satisfaction with their job.

We would argue that higher job satisfaction leads to better retention, which translates to a benefit for the employer. Employee retention means less time for hiring and training and increased productivity.

We’re getting ahead of ourselves. Let’s give this topic the space it deserves and ask about the benefits employers experience with a hybrid model.

What Does the Future of Telecommuting Look Like for Employers?

Other than better employee retention, there are a few other benefits worth mentioning:

• Increased productivity: Many workers are more productive working from home. They take fewer breaks and fewer days off.
•  Reduced office space: With telecommuters splitting their time between in-office and at-home, employers can save the cost of renting large office spaces.
• Attract top talent: Telecommuting’s flexibility allows employers to hire from an expanded talent pool.

Having telecommuting infrastructure and work from home policies in place give organizations an advantage over others that don’t. They’ll be able to pivot faster and continue operations in the event of an emergency. That’s where strong partnerships with Managed IT service providers like Com Pro Business comes in handy. They can help set up flexible workstations, secure connections and provide equipment.

As great as telecommuting sounds, it has its challenges.

The Challenges of Telecommuting

It’s critical to ask the question, “What does the future of telecommuting look like?” from both sides. Now that we’ve laid out the benefits for both the employer and the employee let’s discuss the challenges that affect both sides.

• Lack of in-person professional development: Younger workers lose the chance to interact with senior team members for mentorship.
• Isolated employees: The office is a space for socialization for some. Taking away that social space can negatively impact a person’s health and well-being, and career.
• Tracking productivity: It’s difficult for managers to track productivity, and it presents a challenge for telecommuters to have their work rated.
• HR practices: Human resources will need to evolve and adjust to telecommuting workers. Your organization will need a robust work from home policy.
• Cybersecurity: Keeping data safe and IT infrastructure secure can be a constant challenge. Businesses will have to learn ways to protect themselves from online attacks.
• Technology limitations: Internet service at home, the right equipment, and technical support all present challenges for organizations and employees who work from home. It makes finding the right Managed IT service provider crucial.

There are many challenges to telecommuting, but also many benefits. It’s why we’re putting our money on a hybrid model of work merging the best of both worlds.

What Does the Future of Telecommuting Look Like? A Hybrid Model

Splitting time between working in the office and at home mitigates some of the challenges we mentioned while experiencing the benefits.

Working part-time in the office opens up social interaction and in-person professional development. Tracking progress and productivity becomes more manageable as well.

However, to experience all of the benefits of a hybrid model, organizations will need to invest in IT systems, infrastructure, and staff training. A trusted Managed IT service provider can handle day-to-day IT, so you can focus on growing your business.

Businesses will also need to learn new ways to protect their businesses when employees work from home. Employees will have to apply security measures as they work outside of the office.

The future of work is brighter thanks to technology. Luckily, managed IT solutions service providers can take care of security for you and your telecommuting workers.

Now that you’ve answered, “What does the future of telecommuting look like?” It’s time to ask, “Is my workplace ready?”

Get your business and employees ready for the future with Com Pro Business’ Managed IT services. Contact us for more information.