The pandemic was a game-changer for businesses as it set them up for survival amid a crisis. The remote work model kept them afloat and gained acclaim as a productive, secure, and cost-effective one. In fact, many organizations have switched to it permanently, and several more are ready to follow suit. But before joining the bandwagon, you must ensure readiness for it. Also, check whether it is a right fit if you want to adopt it for the long haul. Here are some signs that permanent WFH is apt for your business.
Sign #1- It entails hefty savings for your company
Running a physical office can be a massive expense. Costs can quickly soar between leasing the office space, paying the utility bills, and spending on cleaning and maintenance. A large team means more space and expenses. Compare them with the remote work costs, such as funding a home office for employees, providing equipment, and covering the internet bills. You will probably find WFH far more cost-effective, so switching to it makes sense.
Sign #2- Worker productivity is up
Productivity is the main concern for employers when it comes to letting people work remotely. Since distractions abound at home, you may not be sure about workers giving their best. You may also believe they may compromise work when no one supervises them. The truth is that they can be more productive without the morning rush, long commutes, and parking nightmares. Check the productivity data during pandemic times, and move to the remote model if things look good.
Sign #3- You have technology in place
The success of the WFH model depends on tech readiness because you cannot expect employees to give their best without the best remote access system. Check the work from home vs office basics to understand whether you are in a good place to move to remote work permanently. If you feel that your tech solutions cover your team on the productivity and security fronts, you are good to go.
Sign #4- Employees are comfortable with virtual collaboration
WFH is mainly about virtual collaboration, as employees are not in one place. Moreover, they cannot meet clients physically. Thankfully, virtual meetings and teleconferencing emerge as ideal solutions for virtual collaboration with team members and clients. But your employees should be comfortable with virtual tools, apps, and best practices to facilitate interruption-free remote work and seamless client experiences. It is a surefire sign that WFH is apt for your business.
Sign #5- There is room to grow
Finally, you must decide whether a permanent WFH model offers room to grow. A sustainable practice sets you up for long-term profits and growth, regardless of where your employees work from. WFH is typically good from a scalability perspective as you can grow the team without renting additional space to accommodate more employees. Moreover, it is a positive factor that enables your company to attract top talent in the long run. Consider the scalability factor to choose wisely.
Every organization is different, so permanent WFH may or may not be an option for continued growth. Weigh factors such as costs, productivity, and collaboration effectiveness to make an informed business decision.