Recently, Parabilis CEO Bruce Lyman wrote in Washington Technology how executives can maintain team cohesion, efficiency, and morale when employees work remotely. This has proven to be a challenge for executives with millions of employees suddenly working from home, and we were grateful for the opportunity to contribute to the ongoing discussions surrounding the new normal.
As the pandemic eases and economies reopen, many companies and people will choose to return to their traditional office setting. But others, according to a recent survey, will transition partially or fully to a permanent remote office setting. Multiple surveys showing employees are often happier and more productive working remotely, and modern technology makes this easier than ever to implement.
This nationwide phenomenon is also playing out among government contractors. While some companies must work on-site to fulfill contracts with janitorial, security, and classified work, most contracts can be completed remotely. Executives who implement remote work policies see three major benefits.
First, remote employees are more productive. The stress and time associated with rushing through breakfast, driving through rush-hour, and rushing to complete work before the evening commute are significant. More control over one’s schedule is also a significant benefit of remote work, especially for employees who prefer to work early or late.
Second, remote work can often increase a company’s profits. Employers don’t have to rent or buy office space. Employee perks like parking reimbursements and subway travel are not necessary. And happier employees are healthier employees, which means companies may end up with fewer lost days of work and health care-related costs.
Finally, remote work allows for economic impacts like shutdowns or pandemics to be handled more effectively. For example, a company that develops and proactively communicates its remote policies with a government client will be able to transition more quickly than a company which mandates on-site work.
The challenges associated with remote work are many. But companies which can change with the times will turn these challenges into opportunities – and those opportunities into greater company growth.