Remote Working: Here To Stay!

REMOTE WORKING: HERE TO STAY

“Telecommutation is still sweeping the nation.” - Douglas Castle

 

I recently noted a discussion on LinkedIn regarding IBM’s move to minimize remote working and to call its employees, from near and far, back to the office. This was what I read:

Why remote working will die.

IBM's recent move to call its remote workers back into the office has thrown into question whether telecommuting is more or less productive than being at one's desk. Studies on the topic have come out mixed but the Atlantic argues that with fast-paced technological change, and the complex problems that arise from it, workers may increasingly be chained to their desks • What are your thoughts on working from home? Join the conversation.

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Nope. It’ll survive and thrive. Sorry Folks.

I beg to differ. The following factors will virtually [no pun intended here] ensure the survival (and even the expansion!) of remote working in the industrialized nations, and in particular, the United States, from which I am currently (remotely, via telecommute) working:

1. The rise and growth of the Gig Economy. Many displaced employees and solopreneurs have become members of the ever-expanding Gig Economy, where an individual sells a specialized service (usually at a relatively low price per unit of service) via internet to clients (usually other individuals, entrepreneurs or small businesses). Platforms such as UpWork and Fiverr provide a medium for matching up providers and demanders of ‘job work’ of all different types.

2. The increase in the retention of independent contractors by employers, in lieu of traditional full-time hiring. Employers are trying to limit their exposure and expense associated with taxes and providing insurance benefits for regular employees. This has led to an increase in the hiring of independent contractors and more courageous forays into the Gig Economy for employers. It has also increased outsourcing and offshoring activity.

3. The Globalization of business - the prevalence of international business relationships even amongst small to medium-sized businesses. An increasing percentage of business communications are taking place via Skype, WhatsApp, Viber, FaceTime and other remote media. And business is being conducted at all hours of the night and morning for many firms and individuals.

4. Time efficiencies. Commutation to a physical location may cost several otherwise productive hours out of the day. Telecommuting (i.e., remote working) eliminates that wasted time and makes it available for productive use, or for valuable time with families in an overworked culture.

5. Technological innovations. Holographic projections, anyone? As technology improves and provides ever-better means of communicating over distances, remote work will become more efficient and a great deal more effective.

While it is indeed true that there are greater opportunities for synergy, breakthroughs, interpersonal connection (i.e., body language, nonverbal communication) and spontaneity when people work together on-site, the factors in favor of remote working greatly outweigh the factors weighing against it. And you can expect the trend and tendency to continue.

And here is an interesting Google return for the search on Remote Working Statistics 2017. [CLICK ME]

Thank you, as always, for reading me. - Douglas