Now that the pandemic has forced everyone to understand the value of telecommuting, videoconferencing, and remote work…..when the pandemic is over….there should no longer be any hesitation about continuing remote working!
Benefits for a Company
- You can hire anyone, in any part of the country, or the world.
- You can downsize office space, or eliminate it completely.
- Happy, rested, employees.
Benefits for the Employee.
- You can work anywhere in the country you choose to live.
- You can work when your body is ready to work (unless you have meetings).
- No commute…just cross the threshold to get to work.
Of course there are downsides as well, but, screw them…you will need to work them out. 😉
Here are a couple of guidelines for Companies:
UPDATE 4/1/2021: OK, Google take note as you have banned full-time remote work to only 14 days a year and have, in my opinion, taken a step back into the dark ages.
Normal telecommuting is 2 to 3 days a week, with the other 2 to 3 days a week in the office. OK, Google: At least do that, but, remember that telecommuting IS remote work. It’s just NOT full-time remote work.
Also, Google, the benefits of telecommuting / remote work are not just for YOU….they are for BOTH of you…the employee and employer, and as such, the remote work “rules” should not be DICTATED by you, but, a mutual agreement.
What are the remote work rules? Go here to find out. It’s easy, simple, and cost free.
Hey, Google: YOU have the ability (and money…too bad you lack imagination) to take remote work to the next level.
Imagine developing a virtual watercooler where people can “meet” to exchange ideas.
Imagine the ability to “walk” down the hall, or across campus, virtually, to meet with a group member.
Imagine being able to exchange documents over a “table” or “desk” as easy as it is to hand someone a piece of paper.
Imagine a full-time video link up for group members where they can ask questions, brainstorm, work on documents interactively…..all day long. When the day is done, the person turns off then crosses the threshold back to their family life in a fraction of a second.
Imagine work from geographically dispersed locations as easy as it is to work in person…without the 2 to 4 hour commute and all the environmental / personal / corporate impacts that brings with it.
Imagine……
Oh wait…..you are NOT imagining, you are reverting back to the dark ages.
My bad.
End of my rant against Google (or any other company that has not learned a thing during the pandemic).
I suggest that, now that remote work has proven itself effective (and you have been forced to understand it, and use it) that your company may want to also have permanent remote workers! If that is the case, designate a week or two every year to have that remote employee visit the office……assuming there is an office.
Use videoconferencing all day, if you have the infrastructure, or at least, everyday to stay in touch with everyone.
That’s it!
It’s super simple, super easy, and you already know (now) that remote work, telecommuting, and videoconferencing work!
A couple of guidelines for remote employees:
Stay away from the fridge! 😉
If you are distracted at home, or are an extrovert in need to human interaction, or a parent in need of adult conversation………and NEED to go to an office: Find a local COWORKING (coworking.com) location and sign up! This way, you can go to an office when you need to, chat with people, go to lunch, use the WiFi, printer, drink free coffee, eat snacks, etc, and still be really close to home!
In short: Coworking rocks!
Conclusion
Now that the world knows how great telecommuting, videoconferencing, and remote work can be!
Do it!
Geek on!
Links to Read:
More remote work articles:
I developed Personal Telepresence before most of you reading this were born: Imagine!
TechyMike: Technology Made Easy 