When the world seemed to stop during the Coronavirus pandemic, many people wondered how we’d ever get back on our feet. Something so catastrophic and unprecedented had occurred and the world felt like it may never recover. But, we did. Not only did we land on our feet, society’s evolution was incredible to witness. One major benefit that resulted from the stay-at-home mandate was the introduction of remote work.
As time has progressed, it has become increasingly clear that remote work offers work-life balance that we have never experienced prior. People are able to rise in the morning and have a cup of coffee right in their own home. Gone are the days of sitting in unmoving traffic as you commute to the office every morning. The unparalleled advantages that remote work offers are undeniable.
Recently, some companies have sought to ruin this dream setup remote work is offering.
Big name corporations such as Tesla, Amazon, General Motors, Facebook, and even the pandemic’s princess – Zoom, are requiring their employees to report to the office in-person at least a couple of times a week.
These demands for employees to return to the office are being paired with major potential disciplinary actions. Amazon, which is now requiring employees to be back in the office for the full five day work week, seems to be leading the crusade. In fact, Amazon’s CEO, Andy Jassy, notified his employees that if they were unable to return to in person work – barring any extenuating circumstances – they could face termination.
Many executive teams are arguing that remote work hinders efficiency, collaboration, communication, and overall productivity levels. However, working remotely allows employees to cultivate a more inviting work environment for themselves. Nobody is interested in being cramped into a tiny cubicle under bright fluorescent lights when they could be sitting in their home office with their favorite mug in hand.
Working from home also removed tedious time-consuming elements that are often associated with in-person office culture. Whether it’s the commute time saved or the minimization of unnecessary small talk, working from home just gives you those few minutes back – in turn, providing more time for you to get your work done.
“I understand how people have their concerns about working remotely. People can be distracted at their homes and there is the misconception that they are unable to collaborate with their coworkers, but letting people work from home gives them a flexibility that is lost in the office. We proved this with all of the studies that came out in the pandemic about productivity not decreasing when employees were working at home,” says A.J. Mizes, CEO & Founder of The Human Reach.
Regardless of an in-person or at-home setting, the productivity and efficiency of an employee depends on the employee themselves. If an individual is easily distracted, constantly on their phone, and slow to execute work, then it does not matter what setting they are in. They will struggle to be productive. Now, if an individual is diligent and cares about the work they produce, then they will excel regardless of the location in which they work.
Remote work also benefits the people who tend to be forgotten. Mothers who hope to grow their careers while still building the family they yearn for are more flexible to cater to both facets of their life with remote work. Those struggling with disabilities – both mentally and physically – can complete their work without the added stressors of making it into the office or being surrounded by colleagues.
Additionally, technology is aiding our ability to collaborate effectively, as Mizes explains: “With technology these days it’s even more accessible for people to collaborate with one another and with people from across the world. Working with people from different areas helps people learn and grow, and ultimately helps people achieve new skills that they wouldn’t have otherwise. Remote work is the same as working in an office and promotes accessibility and efficiency.”
Compelling employees to return to the office under the false pretense that it will enhance their working abilities completely ignores the massive strides we made in 2020. These at-home and flexible positions have cultivated a more inclusive and accessible workforce for many people. So, before these big corporations decide to shovel their employees back into offices, they should ask themselves: Why remove something our people want?