Are You Prepared for the 2020 Remote Work Trend?

Following months of work-from-home arrangements to combat COVID-19, Twitter made a major announcement in May 2020. They stated that their remote work policy would become permanent. This "shocking" but expected news made international headlines.

It also prompted many companies to follow the trend. Business owners and office workers suddenly realised they are in an age of digital transformation. Now, they must adapt quickly to stay competitive.

The Growth of the Remote Work Trend

The recent virus outbreak has played a massive part in propelling this trend. Many organisations are calling for social distancing to prevent the virus from spreading in offices. These include:

• International corporations.
• Tech giants.
• Government departments.

Many called this “the largest work-from-home experiment” ever. While some are succeeding, others are still struggling to cope with this new working method.

Remote work includes working from home and mobile work. It is not a novel concept and has been around since the 1980s. However, recent technology developments have made it more viable for businesses of all sizes. New and innovative solutions are appearing constantly, enabling more flexible arrangements for workers.

A 2019 survey found that 62% of workers in the US already work remotely at some frequency. The pandemic has pushed this need even further. While decentralising operations brings challenges, it also offers opportunities. You can create a new ecosystem for your distributed workforce and embrace a virtual workspace.

How does remote work benefit workers?

Flexibility of time and space

A remote work lifestyle is very different from a traditional 9-to-6 schedule. Remote workers can work from home or any location they choose. They no longer need to spend hours commuting between the home and the office.

This flexibility allows workers to:

• Have full control over their work schedule.
• Take up more household and family-care responsibilities.
• Work at their own pace.
• Move away from expensive cities or even out of the country while keeping their job.

Remote work offers a flexible alternative for tackling unexpected events. Its importance will grow in our increasingly volatile society.

Saving on daily expenses

Working remotely reduces personal spending. Workers often save money on:

• Clothing and professional attire.
• Transport and fuel.
• Daily food and coffee.

They can also move to areas with lower living costs. In a globalised economy, this creates a win-win situation for both employees and employers.

Better work-life balance

Work-life balance is a top priority for workers today, especially younger generations. Many prefer a lifestyle that lets them pursue their own passions. Remote work enables people to better arrange their time for work and leisure. This has a profound impact on overall happiness and well-being.

Better focus and productivity

Contrary to popular belief, people are often more productive outside the office. A recent survey shows that people working from home saw a 47% increase in productivity.

Typical office distractions include:

• Constant phone calls.
• Frequent meetings.
• Chatting co-workers.

Without the noise and office politics, workers generally focus better. This leads to improved performance and higher output.

Less stress

Job stress is a major rising issue. Long commutes and busy offices can be overwhelming. According to The American Institute of Stress:

• 80% of US workers feel stress on the job.
• 40% of workers reported their job was very or extremely stressful.

Working from home or a local café provides a relaxed environment. This helps workers cope better with professional pressure.

What benefits does remote work bring to your business?

Improve employee happiness and retention

Statistics show that 71% of remote workers are happy in their jobs. In contrast, only 55% of on-site workers feel the same. Satisfied employees are less likely to leave. Higher retention rates save your business significant administration and training costs in the long term.

Save on rent and office expenses

Office rent in major cities is becoming exponentially expensive. Remote work allows you to use less office space and save on overheads.

In May 2020, 9GAG switched to full remote work. They moved out of their 7,000-square-foot office in Hong Kong. This move saved them millions in rent each year. Many online businesses no longer need a physical office, making these savings a huge incentive.

Hire without geographical limitations

In the past, businesses could only hire talents within commuting distance. With remote work, geography is no longer a concern.

• Employees can work anywhere with an internet connection.
• Companies can pick the most qualified candidates from a worldwide pool.
• Businesses can leverage more competitive salary rates in different regions.

Operate with a distributed workforce

A decentralised workforce helps you spread risk. Your business is less likely to be crippled by local public health incidents or geo-political issues. You can also use your employees' local networks to engage new markets. Staying agile and vigilant is essential in an era of trade wars and health threats.

What should your business consider when it comes to remote work?

To take full advantage of remote work, you must provide the right tools. Employees need adequate software to reach their full potential.

Essential Tools and Hardware

Modern workers rely heavily on the internet and computers. While a laptop and stable Wi-Fi are usually enough, some roles need more:

• Designers: Specialised computers and drawing pads.
• Customer Service: High-quality audio and video devices.

Ensure remote employees have exactly what they need. Their home setup may not be as well-equipped as your main office.

Device and Compatibility

Using personal devices (BYOD) is often easier than managing the logistics of company-owned hardware. Most people already have computers at home.

• Work out purchase methods and device ownership early to prevent disputes.
• Ensure your software suite is compatible with all devices.
• Choose solutions that function on desktops, mobiles, and web browsers.

Remote Work Setup and Support

Not every employee is tech-savvy. Providing support for every remote worker can be a monumental task.

• Choose user-friendly solutions that are fast and easy to install.
• Use remote desktop tools like Chrome Remote Desktop or TeamViewer. These allow IT teams to provide support and access computers remotely.

Backup and Storage

File sharing and data backup are major concerns for remote operations. To keep data secure and synchronised, you need a cloud-based solution.

• General options: Google Drive or Dropbox are good immediate choices.
• Specialised needs: Customer service operations may need global compliance and end-to-end encryption. Look for platforms that specifically protect customer profiles and communication logs.

Communication & Team Collaboration

Modern teams use multiple channels to facilitate engagement. These include:

• Instant messaging and file transfers.
• Multimedia sharing.
• Online voice and video calls.
• Screen sharing.

Many companies still rely on free software like Skype or WhatsApp. However, these are often inadequate for professional brand representatives. It is difficult to juggle multiple accounts while maintaining service quality. Your specialists need a dedicated communication tool.

Cost-effectiveness

You don't always need multiple expensive flagship solutions.

• Assess your workflow and identify the key components your team needs.
• Test products thoroughly before purchasing.
• Take advantage of free trials or free plans to find the right fit.

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If you need an all-in-one engagement and collaboration platform, CINNOX may be the right choice. It offers:

• Unified online communication channels.
• A full range of telco features.
• Compatibility with all smart devices (App or Web-based).
• Global compliance standards with end-to-end encryption.
• A FREE Essential Plan to help remote teams connect globally.