During the pandemic, companies had little choice but to adopt a remote work model. As time passed, many organizations saw overall productivity rise, fundamentally altering their perspective on telecommuting as a long-term option.
However, while some employees thrived as remote workers, the strategy isn’t without drawbacks. If an employer isn’t communicative and transparent, its workforce may feel disconnected and unsupported. In some cases, the lack of a clear division between their personal and professional lives increases the likelihood of burnout, often because the employees never feel entirely off the clock.
Additionally, some companies inherently favor returning to the workplace. Replicating the in-person experience virtually is challenging, especially when it comes to managing team projects or other group endeavors.
With all of those factors playing a role in the broader equation, it’s normal to wonder if we are going to see more or less remote work moving forward. If you’re curious about what the future may hold, here’s what you need to know.
Remote Work Is Here to Stay
First, it’s important to understand that remote work is going to remain part of the wider paradigm. Many companies and professionals now acknowledge its virtues. Productivity can rise, and work-life balance may be easier to achieve.
Additionally, remote positions allow companies to recruit outside of their local area. With skill shortages becoming increasingly common, the ability to reach beyond a city’s borders looking for talent is a boon.
However, remote work isn’t going to remain entirely unchanged. Many lessons learned from the pandemic are going to lead to strategic adjustments. Communication habits may head in new directions, and standardization might be necessary to increase consistency in key areas, such as project management and the submitting of deliverables.
The Rise of the Hybrid Model
While remote work is going to remain part of the picture, fully remote positions may not be the preferred solution. Many companies are adopting a hybrid model. With that approach, employees get more flexibility through the ability to work from home several days a week. However, they will also have an in-office presence regularly, creating opportunities for in-person collaboration.
The hybrid model may also alleviate any sense of disconnection and reduce burnout. The increased amount of face-to-face interaction restores part of the social aspects of working, something that can lessen many stresses and concerns.
Since many employees don’t just crave flexibility but outright expect it, remote work will likely become increasingly common. However, it won’t necessarily manifest as full-time remote positions. Instead, companies will focus on hybrid models, allowing them to get the best of both worlds by maintaining in-person interactions and enhancing employee satisfaction.
Do You Need to Update Your Training to Support a Remote Workforce?
Keeping your remote workforce productive means ensuring they have access to the right training. If you want to update your training strategy and could use support from learning and development (L&D) professionals, the Clarity Consultants team wants to hear from you.
At Clarity, we have nearly 30 years of experience in L&D, giving us the knowledge and expertise to update your training approaches efficiently. Plus, if you’re trying to expand your internal L&D team, Clarity can be your candidate search ally, connecting you with top talent right when you need them.
If you want to partner with leading L&D professionals, Clarity Consultants is here. Contact us today.
