How remote working really works
The future is remote working - but many companies are still making mistakes
Remote working is still a big topic - among companies and employees. The fact is that remote or hybrid models are the new normal. They will become part of everyday life and an integral part of the business world in the future. It is clear that remote working does not work everywhere. A doctor, supermarket employee or firefighter simply can't do it. But we want to talk about digital jobs here. Despite the many possibilities, my customers often say that remote working doesn't work for them. What's the reason for that?
I can still remember a CEO who absolutely did not want remote working in his company. The reason given: No one would work then. Many managers and decision-makers think like him. They want to have the supposed control. The idea behind this is that only those who are under the observation of their bosses and colleagues actually work. Another aspect why remote working was not desired or did not work was due to the general conditions. The whole work was based on presence. From nine to five in the office and then closing time. In addition, there was neither the appropriate hardware in the form of notebooks and the like, nor stable access to the company network. The structure did not allow for remote working. This has changed in the meantime and my customer, the CEO, is now the biggest remote fan.
The whole work was based on presence - that has changed.
Remote working - tools and technology
Nothing works remotely without good equipment. This starts with the equipment of the employees. This does not mean getting an old notebook out of the basement so that mobile working is now possible. Rather, it is important to invest in good and technically high-quality equipment. This should fit the needs and requirements of the employees. For me, the following equipment has proven particularly effective:
Another basic requirement for remote working to work is the software. It needs good external access to the company network, e.g. in the form of VPN, and security measures such as anti-virus and firewalls. Of course, the usual programs such as Excel, Word, PowerPoint and Co. must also be installed and working.
The basic requirement for functioning remote working: suitable hardware and software.
Asynchronous collaboration
Meetings, meetings, meetings - that's the approach many companies take to remote working. But most of the time it doesn't work. On the contrary, it costs valuable time and does not necessarily lead to results. Asynchronous work, on the other hand, makes remote collaboration easier. Group chats, email or management tools and project planners such as Trello, Asana or monday are used. Documenting work shows managers that work is actually being done. Other project participants also get an overview of the current status. The tools are a good supplement for the information flow that is lost due to a lack of informal conversations.
Free time management makes for satisfied employees
Due to remote working, companies are becoming increasingly flexible and realize that performance should not be measured by hours, but by results. When employees can and are allowed to organize their time more freely, this creates satisfaction. Furthermore, the willingness to accept calls or customer appointments outside of typical business hours is increasing. Everyone knows when they are at their most efficient and productive. Companies that allow free time management thus accommodate early risers as well as evening people and usually get better results.
Asynchronous collaboration and free time management ensure better results in remote working.
Remote is here to stay
In summary, remote working is here to stay. This is evidenced, for example, by the fact that on LinkedIn alone, remote job listings have increased by more than 150% since Corona. And requests for remote jobs have more than doubled as well. There will not be a path back to full-time presence. The future lies in hybrid models. These bring more flexible scheduling for employees and lower costs for companies, as offices can be downsized, for example. The new normal is no longer presence, but hybrid or completely remote.
