By Citalli Vazquez, Account Coordinator, FSB Public Affairs
When the coronavirus pandemic rapidly hit the United States, a great number of organizations were forced into transitioning from the office to working from home. For many, remote working is referred to as the “new normal.” Remote work is a working style that allows professionals to work outside a traditional office setting. Companies like Amazon, American Express, Drop Box, and Facebook have decided to implement remote work as their permanent method of working for a small fraction of their workforce.
Many of those who advocate for working remotely rave about the flexibility in balancing work and their personal lives. They can regain time that is lost in their commute or getting prepared for work. People are now able to choose what works for them at any given moment. These conditions have shed new light to business leaders and management on being more considerate of their employees’ personal issues. Many parents have praised the ability to be more present in their children’s lives. Others have had the time to explore new hobbies or further their education. Whether it’s working at a coffee shop, or from the living room couch, people are able to design their days to be experienced to their fullest potential.
With some cities and states fully reopening, companies are being forced to decide what method they will utilize as employees are returning to work. The hybrid model, which serves as a middle ground between remote and traditional work, is starting to seem like the fan favorite. A hybrid model gives people the opportunity to work remotely for the majority during the week, but also gives them the ability to commute to in-person meetings at the office when required. Other hybrid models include a schedule where designated employees will have certain days they are required to be in the office and days when they can work from home. As technology continues to advance, we can predict that remote work will become more common in a variety of industries.
However, some companies do not have the luxury to work from home. Jobs that require collaboration, specialized equipment, and deliveries must be performed on site at the workplace. Even more so, those professionals who are against remote work express concerns regarding productivity and limited supervision. Moving forward, it’s important for everyone to exercise patience and compassion during this transition back to the in-person work model. A multitude of circumstances have changed since the COVID-19 pandemic hit and finding a balance to adjust to work style shifts is the key for success.
