Is home working here to stay? Study of businesses suggest it is
Home working is one of the biggest and most radical changes we have all had to make in 2020 to stay safe and keep the economy afloat. Some people have struggled with this, but many seem to prefer the flexibility that it allows. Studies even suggest that this change could be here to stay. That being said, the changes aren’t all good and beneficial. Understanding the pros and cons is essential to making the right decision for your business and finding the right balance.
According to a study, home working is likely to be a permanent thing for many businesses that have had to implement it this year. A survey was conducted by the Institute of Directors, and out of 1000 firms, 74% said they are planning on maintaining home working. More than half said they would reduce their long term use of workspaces. This can mean big changes for business both now and in the future.
A smaller survey of bosses whose firms have already cut workplace use suggested that 44% thought that working from home was more effective. Of course, working from home doesn’t work for everyone, and considering the downsides is crucial before making the permanent change. Managing teams remotely can be tough, and company owners need to make sure they are supporting employee’s mental health. Isolation can be tough, especially for those who may live alone.
The benefits of working out of an office haven’t gone away, and bringing teams together in person can still be productive and enjoyable. It can be a boost for some employees who do not like working in isolation, too. Many businesses are keeping their offices open for those who are unable to work from home, and this can be a nice idea for those who struggle with the isolation aspect of it, too. For some, it can be impossible to work from home due to lack of space and privacy. It can also be hard for people to stay on the same page without the right collaboration software – especially if you’re working with outside companies to grow your business, like a marketing or ppc company. Making sure you have ways to keep everybody in the loop is essential.
In spite of the drawbacks, 9 out of 10 workers who worked from home during lockdown said they would like to continue in some way. Many enjoy the monetary pros from working from home. Working in an office can add up. Transport costs a lot of money, whether public or driving to work. Many spend hundreds if not thousands on commuting, lunch, work clothes, gifts for colleagues, and more.
Humans are social creatures, so maintaining some form of contact and finding a balance could be important for most businesses. A lack of face to face interaction over the long term could have a negative impact on many employee’s wellbeing. Although an increase in home working can improve productivity and flexibility and save employees money, working together once in a while can be good for moral and mental health.