The COVID-19 pandemic has brought significant changes to the way we work, both in Japan and around the world, with remote work becoming the norm for many employees. As the pandemic recedes, many companies are rethinking their policies regarding remote work. Today I wanted to explore the evolving attitudes of both companies and employees in regards to working styles going forward.
According to a survey by Gartner, Inc., 82% of company leaders plan to allow their employees to work remotely at least some of the time even after the pandemic ends.This shift towards remote work is not just about providing flexibility for employees, but also about saving costs on office space and commuting expenses. In addition, remote work has been shown to increase productivity and employee satisfaction.
However, remote work also presents some challenges, such as the lack of opportunities for collaboration and team building. To address this, many companies are adopting hybrid work models, where employees split their time between working remotely and coming into the office.A survey by PwC found that 55% of employees prefer a hybrid work model, while only 18% want to work in the office full-time.
Companies are also investing in technology to support remote work. A survey bySlack found that 72% of workers believe that technology will be key factor to successful remote work.Companies are adopting new collaboration tools, video conferencing software, and project management platforms to help employees stay connected and productive while working remotely.
In addition, companies are recognizing the importance of supporting employee well-being.A survey by Mercer found that 74% of companies are offering mental health resources and support to their employees.(PDF Link) Remote work can be isolating and stressful, so companies are providing access to mental health professionals, mindfulness apps, and other resources to help employees manage their stress and maintain their mental health.
Finally, companies are recognizing that remote work allows them to access a more diverse talent pool. By hiring employees from all over the world, companies can increase their diversity and inclusion efforts.According to a survey by Glassdoor, 76% of job seekers consider a company's diversity and inclusion policies when considering a job offer.
The pandemic has brought significant changes to the way we work, and remote work is likely here to stay. Companies that adopt flexible work arrangements, invest in technology, support employee well-being, and prioritize diversity and inclusion will be better positioned to attract and retain top talent in the post-pandemic world.
