For decades working from an office was a priority for running a successful business. Employees were asked to be physically present on-site for duties. Only a few people were allowed to work out of the office space. The scenario changed with the emergence of the pandemic in late 2019. Remote working was introduced by organizations to keep the business running. However, as we enter Q4 of 2022, organizations have adopted a hybrid working model to minimize expenses and increase ROI.
On-site work:
On-site work means your physical presence at the office site within working hours. The business structure for in-office work is rigid and demanding.
Impacts from on-site work:
- Quality of work is increased:
Not all jobs are well-suited for working from home. At the office, you are provided with appropriate equipment and environment, for example, desktop, screens, and back chairs that impact your deliverables. In addition, workplace legislation supports you in demanding a comfortable environment from the organization. Such conditions can improve the quality of work and continuous workflow.
- Dwelling-in organizational culture:
Organizational culture can help self-grooming and development when all employees are treated on a justifiable level. In addition, it enhances teamwork, training and development, and relationship building.
- Balancing work-life:
Your life can be segmented efficiently and with less stress. For example, you can draw a line after working hours for your home and blend both times equally.
- Increased creativity:
The office environment can help you be more creative while connecting with colleagues. In addition, people with a similar mindset and spontaneous discussions can benefit the organization through better decision-making and strategic opportunities.
- Promoting business brand:
Organizations can promote their business brand identity if people are physically present at the site. It influences winning more projects and attracting more customers for the business.
- Interpersonal Skills:
Being surrounded by people, you can develop your interpersonal skills and self-consciousness.
Working under management can boost your professionalism.
- Small companies pay less:
If you work for a small private company, you might be paid less than the market value. You might not get an appropriate salary with extra working hours and stress.
- Inflexible working hours:
Your whole working schedule is a strict timetable where you eat and take a break according to the clock.
- Difficulty in commute:
Some people may find daily commutes difficult, whether in a personal car or public transport. Traffic jams can be stressful and affect overall performance.
- Poor health:
You can suffer from illness while communicating with people, especially in the Covid-19 era. A survey in May 2021 depicts that more than 45% of employees are worried about their health due to workplace sickness in the US.
Remote work model:
In remote working, employees work outside of a physical workplace, such as at home or co-working space.
A few years ago, it was available as a special arrangement for particular reasons. But, by tradition, it had a negative impression. But, with the gradual pace of time and technological advancements, teleconferencing and networking have become common.
Impact of Remote Working:
- Cost-effective:
Remote working is cost-effective for employers due to fewer overheads. Finances are saved through fewer electricity bills, rent, or furniture. Additionally, employees save on all the fuel and commute costs.
- High productivity rate:
- Due to flexibility, employees show a high level of productivity in their work.
- With less stress of working hours and deadlines, employees work efficiently in their homes.
- No geographical boundary encourages highly talented people to work in collaboration for a business brand.
- Flexibility:
You can have freedom of action with flexible working hours and the privilege of working independently. Moreover, you only need to complete your project within a given deadline, irrespective of location.
- Increased job opportunities:
You can grasp job opportunities anywhere around the globe and work with the best team.
- Lack of communication:
Remote working can promote a lack of direct communication between employee-employers and in-person meetings. Virtual associations might misguide employees, and the managers can require extra effort.
- No time management:
Working remotely can lead to an inconsistent routine with no time management as everyone has their timetable. This can decrease the energy levels for efficient output.
Are Freelancing and remote-working the same?
The short answer: No.
The place of work is the same. However, taxation, employment category, benefits eligibility, and project duration is different.
- Freelancer employment category: Self.
- Taxation: Self-employment tax
- Benefits category: Not eligible
On the contrary, remote workers can gain similar rights as on-site workers in a company.
Hybrid Workplace model:
Working hybrid is a mixture of working remotely and on-site. The model allows employees and employers to divide working schedules from either office or home.
The main types include:
- Hybrid at will: Employees can choose days to come into the office.
- Hybrid manager timetable: Line managers assign office days
- Hybrid Split week: Employers divide days for on-site and remote working
A survey conducted in April 2022 depicts that more than 75% of organizations in the US have adopted the hybrid model, and global companies are also switching to adopting this model.
