The new coronavirus pandemic has caused, is causing and will continue to cause many impacts in different ways on people, governments, companies and business relationships as a whole.
As happens in every crisis, whether caused by a pandemic, a war or some other factor, in addition to the serious problems that need to be resolved, new possibilities, new opportunities and the opening of doors for innovation and creativity arise.
One lesson that the crisis caused by COVID-19 has brought is directly chief vp sales marketing officers email lists linked to the issue of home office or remote work. The current scenario has served to break down prejudices, debunk myths and prove that home office is a practice that can be adopted by different types of companies and businesses. However, like everything in life, it is necessary to go through a period of adaptation and adjustments until the ideal conditions are developed.
Home office before the pandemic
Home office policies were already well-known and popular among employees and companies with a greater focus on technology. Startups in general, fintechs and other companies of this type were born with these policies in their DNA. In addition to being a model that generates savings for companies, home office is also an element that attracts new talent. Nowadays, many professionals are looking for a better balance between professional and personal commitments. And being able to count on a work routine that adheres to home office makes many people's eyes shine, especially professionals from the millennial generation . However, in companies with more traditional and conservative business and management models, remote work was not seen favorably. Business owners contested this option, claiming a drop in productivity, lack of employee engagement, and other things. But one of the legacies of the new coronavirus will be the forced adherence of many businesses to digital transformation. Remote work and home office are inserted in this context, in a reality that, in the name of public health, overrides previously perpetuated preconceptions.
The benefits of home office for employees and companies
“You need to be flexible with corporate structures and models to thrive. And always keep in mind the benefits that this work model brings to the employer, such as an increase of between 15% and 30% in employee productivity.” This is the quote from André Miceli , who developed a study that points out the main marketing and technology trends for the coming years, and of course, the adoption of home office by more companies and professionals is also among one of the main points.
It is estimated that, after the pandemic, the adoption of home office will increase by 30%. This is because it is now clear to everyone that this work model is beneficial not only for workers, but also for the sustainability of businesses .
Among the benefits for employees, the following can be highlighted:
They feel more satisfied with their work routines;
They don't have to face long and heavy traffic;
They have reduced personal expenses with food, transportation and others;
They have more flexibility and balance between personal and professional routines.
And much more.
On the companies' side, it is also possible to raise some benefits such as:
Saving resources in offices and facilities;
Possibility of hiring talent anywhere in the world;
Employees more engaged and loyal to the company;
Optimization of routines and activities.
And, of course, many other built-in benefits.
Adaptations to Home Office Policies
The benefits of implementing remote work policies and infrastructure are clear. However, they are not applicable to all companies and business models. Therefore, caution and common sense must be exercised even when initiating this type of conversation in an organization. Companies that rely on field teams, factories that require on-site workers , and many other corporations still rely on and need “physical labor” to deliver their products and services. It is likely that, at some point in the future, technology will allow these professionals to also work remotely. However, as of now, it is not fully applicable to factories, transportation companies, and the like.
Another issue that should also be taken into account is the structure available to the worker who chooses to work from home. It is necessary to ask and verify whether:
Are there sufficient resources and communications infrastructure to carry out the work?
Is the equipment ergonomically appropriate to maintain the employee's physical integrity?
Is the work experience as beneficial as if the worker were in your company?
These and many other issues need to be previously agreed upon between the company and the employee so that, over time, there are no frustrations and broken expectations between one party or the other, or both.
Home office, remote work, technology and the future
“The more technology advances, the more human characteristics tend to stand out. Companies that adopt home office will need to create moments of interaction, culture, and team bonding. We will see a society that is increasingly physically distant, but united by technology and these events,” says André.
The crisis caused by the novel coronavirus pandemic has shown us that the future is uncertain and that from now on many things will be different. We will live in a “new normal”, which is still unknown to many and unfamiliar to many. The main lesson has been known for some time: it is not the strongest who survives, but the one who adapts best. Therefore, it is up to companies and people to adapt, as much as possible, so that they are prepared for the days ahead.
“Finding productivity in remote work, choosing the right technologies, and creating positive experiences for teams and customers are actions that can be taken soon. We may have new quarantines, or a vaccine may change the course of history again, but the fact is that we cannot wait for clear skies to define a new way of operating. Companies that find their way quickly will thrive — and the professionals who lead their organizations will be able to not only understand the current situation, but build the future,” concludes André Miceli.
Now that you, like us, are also anticipating market changes in order to establish the next strategic steps for your business, learn about the concept of pro-business communication and redefine your marketing management starting today. Thank you for reading!
