The past year has dramatically changed the way we work with the pandemic forcing millions of people to work from home remote work has become the new normal. As vaccines roll out and people begin to return to offices the question on everyone’s mind is what will the future of work look like? In this article, we will explore the possibilities of remote work and the role of the office in the future of work.
Remote Work is Here to Stay
The pandemic has shown us that remote work is not only possible but can be just as productive as traditional office work. A study by PwC found that 83% of employers believe the shift to remote work has been successful for their company. Additionally, a survey by Gartner found that 80% of company leaders plan to allow employees to work remotely at least part-time even after the pandemic is over.
Remote work offers a number of benefits to both employees and employers. For employees, remote work means no more long commutes a better work-life balance and more flexibility. For employers, remote work means a larger pool of potential employees, lower overhead costs and a better work-life balance for their employees which can lead to increased productivity.
The Role of the Office
While remote work has many benefits it is important to recognize the role of the office in the future of work. Many companies have found that remote work can lead to a lack of collaboration and a sense of isolation for employees. Additionally, some employees may not have access to the technology or workspace they need to be productive at home.
The solution is not to abandon the office altogether but to rethink its role in the future of work. The office can be a place for collaboration and team building, where employees come together to brainstorm, share ideas and work on projects. It can also be a place for training and development where employees can learn new skills and stay up-to-date with the latest industry trends.
Hybrid Work Models
The future of work is likely to be a hybrid of remote work and office work. A study by McKinsey found that 20-25% of the workforce could work remotely two or more days a week without any negative impact on productivity. This means that companies can adopt a hybrid work model where employees come into the office for a few days a week and work from home the rest of the time.
Hybrid work models offer the best of both worlds. Employees can enjoy the benefits of remote work, such as a better work-life balance and more flexibility while still having the opportunity to collaborate and build relationships with their colleagues in person. Employers can also save on overhead costs while still maintaining a physical presence for their company.
