We know that COVID and the resulting lockdown has paved the way for remote working. We also know that this model is here to stay, even as companies have more options in the way that employees work. There’s a lot to be said about this work model, from company cost savings all the way to increase employee productivity and well-being. Although some companies are still not ready to take the plunge to a complete remote model, many are looking for a hybrid approach that allows employees to work remotely a few days a week. In recent months, we’ve seen a few things that indicate just how much remote working is changing the way we work. Does this mean that working remotely is the new normal?

Remote Working – The New Normal

In a nutshell, yes – remote working is set to be a standard option for many businesses. Industries in the tech, design, marketing and creative spaces have been using this model for a long time, even before the pandemic. Other industries with a history of more conventional work models are also getting on board, however. There are a few factors driving the move towards this approach.

Shared workspaces

The transition from working in an office to working from home is not always easy. In fact, it can be very hard for those who have worked in traditional office environments for years. This is a barrier to productivity and it can also make employers a little nervous if their staff are suddenly moving to a home office. Distractions can be problematic and can make it harder to get things done. Shared workspaces bridge the gap, offering a professional office-away-from-office that is fully prepped with facilities needed to work. These spaces also often offer private offices and boardrooms that can be booked as needed. 

Collaboration tools

Thanks to tools such as Zoom, Asana, Slack and Google Meet, Microsoft TEAMS it has become easier than ever for teams to collaborate, wherever they are located. These tools allow meetings to be done. Employees can check in and stay on track, without the need for in-person progress reports. Some companies have taken this even further with tools that monitor employees as they work. This sets a dangerous precedent, however. Working from a shared workspace can eliminate the need for such tools, as companies feel more confident knowing that employees are in a work environment rather than being at home. Time-tracking tools are far less controversial and allow employees to work fairly regular (or flexible) hours without being watched remotely. 

As a fully-equipped workspace in the beautiful town of Hermanus, Co.Unity is the ideal place to get things done. We offer a range of products to suit your needs. Pop in and visit for the day or contact us to find out more about our forward-thinking remote working solutions