Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been a significant shift in the way we work. One of the most obvious changes has been the rise of remote working.
Although remote working was already popular in some industries, it has penetrated, and is now being adopted by many others.
Understandably, remote working wasn’t so new in the tech industry. However, since the pandemic, remote working has become an integral part of operations in the industry.
In this post, we will explore the positive side of remote working in the tech industry, the challenges it poses, and tested solutions to those challenges. We will also discuss the future of remote working in the tech industry as a whole.
Advantages of Remote Working in the Tech Industry
Remote work has several advantages in the tech industry which are as follows:
1- Cost Savings
Cost savings have always been a key area of concern in industries. With remote working, companies can save costs in several ways. Firstly, remote working eliminates the need for a physical office space, significantly reducing operational costs. The cost of rent, utilities, and maintenance associated with an office space can add up quickly, particularly in prime locations. When company employees work remotely, there is little or no need to rent or maintain an office, resulting in significant cost savings.
2- Minimisation of Office Equipment
Secondly, remote working eliminates the need for expensive office equipment, such as desks, chairs, computers, and other equipment. With remote working, employees use their own equipment, and companies do not need to invest in these items. Please note that with the rise in adoption of remote work, some companies assist their employees to set up their home workspaces.
3- Elimination of miscellaneous costs
Lastly, remote working eliminates the need for other associated costs such as transportation, parking, and meals. When employees work from home, they do not need to commute, saving on fuel and other transportation costs.
Overall, remote working can result in substantial cost savings for companies, making it an attractive option for many in the tech industry.
4- Increased Productivity
When employees work from home, they have fewer distractions than in an office. There are no colleagues stopping by to chat, no watercooler conversations, and no interruptions from meetings. This allows employees to focus more intently on their work and be more productive.
Also, remote working eliminates the need for commuting, which can save employees a lot of time and energy. This can reduce fatigue and stress levels, allowing employees to be more productive during the hours they would have otherwise spent commuting.
5- Improved work-life balance
Since remote working reduces or totally eliminates commuting to work, this can free up more time for employees to focus on personal activities, hobbies, or spending time with family and friends.
Remote working allows for more flexibility in scheduling. Employees can structure their workday to fit their personal needs, such as taking breaks to attend to personal errands or appointments.
Another advantage is that remote work eliminates the need for strict dress codes and office etiquette, as well as stress levels. By being comfortable and relaxed in a familiar setting, employees can have a better integration of work and personal life, resulting in happiness and more fulfilment for employees.
6- Access to a larger talent pool
By removing geographical barriers, companies can hire talented individuals from all over the world, regardless of their location. This creates opportunities for companies to tap into a more diverse range of skills, experiences, and perspectives.
Also, competent people with caregiving responsibilities or disabilities, who may not be comfortable working in a traditional office environment can now have an opportunity to showcase their skills. By embracing remote work, companies can benefit from increased access to talent, leading to better problem-solving, innovation, and competitiveness.
Challenges of Remote Work in the Tech Industry
Despite its numerous advantages, remote working also poses several challenges. We will discuss three most common challenges.
Communication Barriers
In the absence of face-to-face interaction, challenges and misunderstandings in communication can occur. The lack of visual and nonverbal cues can lead to misinterpretation, and messages may be lost or unclear.
In remote working, communication happens mostly through digital means, such as email, messaging apps, or video calls. If the network is unstable or there is an issue with the communication device, there is bound to be ineffective communication.
Lack of face-to-face interaction can also lead to a lack of social interaction, which can affect employee morale.
Potential Distractions
With remote working, there is also the potential for distractions. When employees work from home, they may face distractions they would not have to deal with in a traditional office environment.
These distractions can come in the form of household chores, family obligations, or other personal responsibilities. If employees are not careful, these distractions can impact their productivity and ultimately, the quality of their work.
Difficulty in monitoring productivity
When employees work remotely, it can be challenging to determine whether they are working efficiently and effectively. In a traditional office environment, managers can easily observe their employees and provide guidance and feedback. However, this becomes more difficult in a remote work setting, where managers have limited visibility over what employees are doing during the workday.
To overcome these challenges, companies can implement various solutions including:
Use of Collaboration Tools
Collaboration tools are vital for remote working, as they improve communication and collaboration among remote workers. Tools such as video conferencing, project management software, and chat applications, enable employees to stay connected with each other and with their managers, reducing isolation. They also improve productivity by allowing employees to share documents, work on projects together, and track progress towards goals.
Implementation of Performance Metrics
Performance metrics provide an objective way to measure employee productivity, which helps to build trust between managers and remote workers. These metrics include specific goals and quantitative indicators, such as deadlines and project milestones. Performance tracking also helps identify areas for improvement and ensures that teams stay aligned with business goals.
Regular Team Check-ins
Regular team check-ins are an effective way to overcome some of the challenges of remote work. When employees work remotely, they can feel disconnected from their team members.
Regular check-ins can help to keep everyone on the same page, ensuring team members are aware of what others are working on and any progress that has been made. They provide an opportunity for team members to discuss any issues or concerns they may have, ask questions, and share feedback. Regular check-ins also help to build trust and boost morale amongst team members, improving productivity.
Quizzes and Fun Activities
Working remotely can make employees feel disconnected, leading to a lack of motivation and engagement. Quizzes and activities promote team-building, reduce isolation, and create a sense of community. These activities can also improve problem-solving skills and encourage creativity. At Lassod, we do this weekly, and this helps build a more engaged and motivated workforce.
Future of Remote Working in the Tech Industry
Remote working is here to stay, and we can expect to see further advancements in technology that facilitate remote working. One trend we are likely to see is an increase in hybrid work models, where employees work both remotely and in the office. Also, advancements in technology such as virtual reality and artificial intelligence will have an impact on the future of remote work.
Conclusion
Right now, remote working has become an integral part of operations in the tech industry. Although it poses some challenges, there are solutions to overcome them. Companies that embrace remote work can benefit from increased productivity, cost savings, and access to a larger talent pool.
The future of remote work in the tech industry looks bright, with advancements in technology expected to facilitate further growth in this area. Companies that adapt to these changes are likely to succeed in the long run.
Looking to hire skilled remote professionals worldwide? Lassod is the ideal choice.