With the world continuing its shift towards a more digital environment, it’s natural to wonder what type of impact this will have on remote vs. in-house job environments. Technology isn’t the only aspect causing this shift.
The roles themselves are changing as a result of technology. For example, more and more accountants are operating based as an outsourced accountant in the digital sphere. It seems the entire world is shifting to an online basis.
So when will the shift towards remote work be complete? Continue reading to learn more about when you can expect this shift to occur.
When Will We Shift to a Completely Remote Work Environment?
Companies face substantial challenges when it comes to the future work environment. How do you build skills, create equal opportunities, and foster a healthy work environment if everyone meets on a digital basis? The answer is that this is changing and many believe it requires an ecosystem approach.
The benefits of the remote work environment have only recently been brought to light, as the technology wasn’t really in place and didn’t have a chance to display its full potential until the pandemic. Some of these benefits include the reduction of claims in a hostile work environment, reduced human resource costs, increased productivity, and a reduced impact on the environment.
These potential benefits must be weighed against the potential drawbacks of a remote environment, such as the decreased social connection and the inability to collaborate in a more intimate environment.
Investments
One thing that will dictate how soon the business world migrates to a more remote environment is whether companies invest in the technology necessary to create a productive work environment. Reskilling and improving the workforce’s skills in a remote environment is one of the most difficult challenges companies face.
As technology improves, it’s not only companies that need to focus on reskilling. It’s also the employees they’re looking to hire. Because of automation, workers need to be able to up their skills more often. As the International Labor Organization estimated, in 2020, the global workforce lost 225 million jobs. This speaks to technology and the pandemic reducing how long workers’ skills equate to job security. This push towards reskilling could inject $6.5 trillion into the global economy. It might also create 5.3 million new jobs.
Flexibility
The biggest x-factor facing the remote or hybrid work environment is adequate policy-making. From both an organizational and regulatory perspective, the shifting environment causes challenges. It creates some uncertainty regarding the level of equality organizations can achieve. A focus on infrastructure and high-speed internet can help level the environment.
Another aspect of the remote work environment is the tax implications it poses. Employers must clarify which costs pertain to whom. Governments will also need to address wage and hour laws to assist in the way workers conduct business. The increased distance of workers has also caused an increased number of cyber vulnerabilities for businesses.
Bottom Line
The underlying questions companies face regarding the remote work environment will ultimately determine the answer to when companies will shift towards a remote work environment.
How equal companies can make their structures to serve employees around the world, the efficacy of their remote work policies and their investments in technology will all determine the time frame.
