Over the next several months companies large and small will be making decisions that they had no idea they would have even contemplated making in the past. As telecommuting comes of age, with many workers who spend most of their time on a computer, employers will be determining which of those employees should be returned to the office and which should remain working from their homes.
Older workers
For some older employees, there might not be any choices offered other than continuing to work remotely from home due to their age and or health. Others, with underlying health conditions may face the same reality.
Reasons to keep employees at home
Beside the obvious reasons employees may have, employers are beginning to see the significant gains of having a workforce at various home locations. First, a reduction in costs of office space and upkeep. Next, an unexpected trial period that has shown the way for employers to fully interpret and understand the process. Besides the lack of office distractions and downtime, it seems production has been the most pleasant and undoubtedly unexpected windfall for most employers.
For many employees there is a greater feeling of accomplishment without someone standing over their desk checking their every move. Most certainly, removing the need to commute creates a more relaxed worker, as well as safer and ultimately healthier one. Long commutes can often be stressful and time consuming, which definitely reduces production.
The potential savings from this surge in telecommuting is so incredible that going back to the way it once was seems more than impossible. It is a “win-win” situation for employers and employees. With the gain in time and lack of stress employees can truly work on bettering their own lives; whether, through exercise regimes or self study courses they hadn’t the time to pursue previously.
This new work from home model also allows companies to hold on to their senior workers, who might have been contemplating retirement. In many cases retaining experienced employees can be critical to a company’s success. And, part-time opportunities now have a really different significance as employees may gain new found freedoms in terms of days, hours, and schedules. Part-time remote work can truly offer get flexibility for all.
A cultural shift to telecommuting has led to retaining work ethic, loyalty, knowledge and production at reduced hours and significantly less compensation. The best part is that all involved do, in fact, save money. Older employees concerned about their health and retirement funds can save money by telecommuting. The lower fuel costs and wear and tear on their vehicles can lead to savings that can be invested. Other savings will come from less laundering and dry-cleaning expenses. Meanwhile, employers will be the largest gainers based upon their new levels of productivity, lower real estate costs, reduced turnover and absenteeism as well as outright development of future holdings.
There is no going back. For one thing, employees will balk at the old normal. The consensus is already out there and most desire to remain working remotely. Those that haven’t embraced this new normal, will eventually find their way back to an office or a new job. Others will flourish with this new found freedom that meets their needs to get stronger and more self reliant. Character development and life improving all at their own command.
What will tomorrow bring?
During the current career climate all new graduates should have an updated resume. They need to be fully prepared to think in different and relevant ways. Those that are ahead of the curve have already defined the new normal in their minds and hearts.
The ever growing digital world and ever dependent world of the internet will be the front running opportunities for high paying jobs in the future.
