According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the number of people primarily working from home has tripled since 2019 due to the Covid-19 pandemic. In New Jersey alone, the remote workforce increased from 5% in 2019 to 22% in 2021. As a result, working from home has become “the new normal” for a significant number of employees, and employers are now considering the areas that this shift affects, including work-related accidents and workers’ compensation systems.
Challenging the Traditional Model of Work
The rise of remote work has challenged the traditional model of “work,” which primarily involved cases of workplace injury occurring at specific worksites. The pandemic has shifted the balance of power in favor of employees, with private-sector workers demanding better working conditions and hybrid work arrangements. To thrive in the hybrid work era, businesses and governments must develop clear remote work policies and invest in technology.
IT Challenges and Hybrid Work Models
The new world of hybrid work has created challenges for IT leaders, who must ensure the security of remote devices used to access corporate resources. IT executives from a range of enterprises recently discussed hybrid work and its impact, including the ability to recruit employees from beyond traditional office-centric geographies and the need to deliver an equitable user experience for all employees, regardless of their location and device used.
Workforce Management Systems for Hybrid Workforces
Workforce management (WFM) systems are becoming increasingly important in achieving a balance between employee satisfaction, optimized productivity, and cost management. Real-time data is crucial for managing a hybrid workforce, and an effective WFM system should provide real-time data on employee performance and other critical attributes. WFM systems can help organizations monitor and track remote and on-floor performances and critical KPIs more effectively, ensuring that employees remain productive and engaged while working from home.
Employee Satisfaction and the Future of Remote Work
Boosting employee satisfaction is also a crucial aspect of managing a hybrid workforce, and WFM systems can help organizations achieve this by providing increased flexibility and autonomy for employees. Remote work offers benefits such as easier childcare, career advancement, and inclusion for disabled and chronically ill employees. However, employers should pay attention to their employees’ desires, needs, and motivations to manage them better. In-person networking is vital for team-building and general well-being, but remote work offers benefits such as less turnover and fewer inefficiencies. As the world continues to adapt to the new normal, embracing the benefits of remote work will be essential for businesses to thrive.