Can we turn the clock back on remote workers – not likely indicates a Forrester study

The pandemic disrupted organisations and localised workers to their homes and other locations. In hindsight it accelerated the switchover to the home office that had already begun, well before the pandemic itself. In this month’s cover feature we deep dive and excerpt findings from an exciting survey completed by Forrester Consulting and LogMeIn in March 2021. The report, Build an Anywhere Work Strategy to Drive Business Success, looks at how anywhere work, the upgraded term now applied to remote work, is here to stay.

The pandemic made the complete breadth of urban and semi urban human population experience the benefits and challenges of working remotely. With the onset of normalisation through continuous vaccination, testing, social distancing, lockdowns, and other on and off measures, organisations are expecting employees to flock back to offices and resume working similar to pre-pandemic times. In other words, turn back the clock. But something has changed and it is significant.

The survey points out that while employees will return to previous in-office work settings post-pandemic, a rapid movement towards flexible work has already begun. 26% of the workforce plans to shift from pure in-office work to a remote or hybrid work style within the next two years.

Nearly three-quarters of workers said that pandemic made them want to work more remotely in the future. 62% of employees said they are happier when working remotely. 56% of employees said they are more productive when working remotely. 61% said they can get more done in an 8-hour workday.

More importantly, the survey points to a deeper concern that has emerged from anywhere working. There is a disconnect in trust between human resources and employees. Only 5% of remote-work decision-makers said they think remote workers are more productive. And 70% of remote-work decision-makers, said in-office workers are more trustworthy.

You cannot reap benefits of anywhere work without commitment. Anywhere work programmes require investment and are not something that happens overnight. How will this play out in the months ahead is anybody’s guess!

In our Executive section, gifted healer Ektaa Sibal dwells on the importance of connecting with the inner-self to bring about personal transformation. Today’s mixed environment continues to drive human stress to high levels, while returning to the tranquility of inner self is a way forward explains Ektaa.

Connecting to the inner-self is all about becoming aware, accepting yourself and being hopeful. When you are disconnected from yourself, some signs to look out for are constant self-doubt. It is this connection that brings out your confidence and self-esteem; which points you to the correct direction meant for your life.

By connecting to your inner-self, you will tune in to your own needs and fulfill it. Connecting to your inner-self will empower you to face any struggling or challenging situation.

Turn the pages for more thought leadership conversations.

Wishing you a continuous period of business recovery.