Remote work is here to stay as an integral part of the modern workforce and has been further cemented due to the global pandemic. But with change comes new trends, which are causing a revolution in the future of working. These trends are being adopted by companies more and more as they change their environment. Here are six remote work trends that are changing how you work.
1. The Rise of Hybrid Work Models
Spreading work between offices and homes is now the norm. Workers say companies are leaving behind purely in-person or remote structures out of the realization that there are upsides to flexibility for employees. According to McKinsey & Company, 60% of workers would like a hybrid model post-pandemic.
This hybrid method is feasible for companies to offer flexibility and have in-person collaboration whenever it is required. Companies can get and keep the best employees by giving them this kind of freedom.
2. Increased Use of AI and Automation
Remote work is now increasingly incorporating the importance of AI and automation. Tasks that are automated with tools that use artificial intelligence make management easier and operations run more smoothly. Trello and Slack are powerful collaboration tools that use AI to give users control over automation.
A PwC survey finds that 60% of executives see AI as strategically important to their organizations. AI, as it advances, will have an increasing impact on the way remote teams collaborate.
3. Mental Health and Well-being Focus
It’s easy for your personal and professional lives to mix when you work from home, which can make you burnt out. There is a growing awareness of mental health that benefits both individuals and businesses. Companies offer therapy, mental health days, and sometimes even fitness plans.
Researchers at Gallup found that workers who are happy and healthy are 23% more productive than workers who are unhappy and sick. It’s better for the mental health of workers, but also better for business.
4. Remote Work Technology Advancements
Electronic devices are essential to remote work. Software platforms, including Slack, Microsoft Teams, and Zoom, have enabled operations that are dispersed around the world to work together.
Augmented reality and virtual reality are helping, too. TechCrunch says that soon, VR and AR will make it possible for teams that are spread out to work together in virtual offices.
5. Flexible Working Hours
One of the best things about working from home is that you can set your hours. As more companies allow flexible hours, the 9-to-5 is becoming outdated.
This flexibility also helps with work-life balance, which means that you can better balance your work and personal responsibilities. In addition, it will probably make you happier and more productive at work.
6. Cybersecurity Considerations
Cybersecurity is now a big issue for many because more and more people work from home. Businesses are also putting in place stronger security measures, such as VPNs and multifactor authentication (MFA), to help keep private data safe.
Norton says that during the pandemic, cybercrime rose by 600% because a greater majority worked from home, which gave scammers more chances to make money. With remote work on the rise, firms must prioritize cybersecurity to protect data and employee confidence.
Adapting to the Future of Work
The nature of work is evolving, with the majority of individuals now working remotely. In the same way, businesses can create a productive and long-lasting remote work environment by using hybrid models, AI tools, and putting the health and happiness of their employees first. Businesses can gain a competitive edge in the new era by offering both protection and flexibility.
