It would be impossible to talk about remote working without acknowledging the role of technology as a key enabler of mobility: our employees are able to work outside one of their main office locations, or indeed outside of an office at all, thanks to ubiquitous Wi-Fi and mobile devices such as smartphones, tablet computers and even trusty old laptops. Without these devices, our employees would have to constantly return to their office to send an email, talk to their colleagues, check a document, or print off files.
Technology on the go
The speed at which technology has evolved means that not only our employees able to take their work around the city as they hop between meetings, or home in the evening, but they are also able to carry out these tasks and remain cost-effectively connected with their team or management. This is thanks to solutions that have made even telephoning seem cumbersome and old-fashioned.
Examples of these solutions are: instant messaging, which replaces the act of having to leave across a desk to ask a colleague a quick question; or VoIP, that allows users to cost-effectively call or video-call from their devices. Yet all these solutions are predicated one key ingredient: a strong and fast internet connection. Without this, mobile working is severely limited.
The Millennial effect
Another key driver of remote working is the changing workforce: as generations grow up and expect to be able to communicate cheaply and rapidly from anywhere in the world, it follows they expect this to also be the case in the professional arena. A whole host of literature is available analyzing and outlining the different attitudes toward work:life balance that younger generations (starting from Millennials) are introducing and making the norm in the working world.
Specifically, a generation that is aware of the impossibility of going technologically off-grid is clamoring to be able to enjoy the reverse phenomenon, and to freely carry out their work tasks from any location they choose.
The changing face of the workforce
It's not just younger generations, however, that are demanding and enjoying a more flexible work environment. Older workers who are forced to (or choose to) delay retirement are also better able to combine their personal life with continued workforce participation if they are not required to face a grueling daily commute.
This latest survey also shows that today's workforce is increasingly composed of freelance workers, consultants, and part-time workers who actively seek out the opportunity to work more flexibly.
Flexible working and its benefits
From spending more time with loved ones to reducing commute times and finding more time to relax, workers prefer flexible working for a host of reasons. For many, it has now become a key differentiator when faced with a choice between similar jobs.
This is an important aspect to consider for businesses seeking to acquire top talent, as today's workers are reporting that it's not only salary that make a difference. Add to this the fact that our research reveals how flexible working improves concentration levels and productivity, and the business case is made.
As more and more workers demand to work flexibly, and with all the technology available to enable them to do so productively, it is hardly surprising to find that businesses are marrying their need for greater agility (rapid response to market changes) with helping workers achieve greater personal happiness and work:life balance.
This research shows that the trend toward the use of flexible work locations instead of fixed leasing arrangements doesn't only concern SMEs, but is actually applicable to all types of firms.
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