Many companies are doing away with remote working. There can be many reasons for this. Whether you value the presence of employees in the company or prefer the short communication channel. After all, everything takes place in the same building. Questions can be clarified without obligation and the social aspect is strengthened.
However, the coronavirus crisis is forcing us to address the issue of remote working and demonstrate stamina and flexibility in times of a global pandemic. Health is the top priority and something must be done in this direction from the lockdowns onwards at the latest.
What is remote work?
Working from home is more likely to be met with understanding than remote work. Both terms ultimately mean the same thing; remote work (also known as teleworking) refers to work that takes place partly or entirely outside the employer’s premises. Working outside the building naturally means working from home (home office).
The advantages
While there are definitely some advantages to working in the office, working at home also has certain strengths that make it stand out:
- No need to commute to work → more free time
- This also eliminates commuting → time at home/ with the family
- Childcare can be combined very well with remote work
- Time can be allocated more flexibly → household chores can be done during breaks, for example
- You can freely choose the location for remote work → travel and work can be combined, for example
- Increasing qualities such as self-organization, personal responsibility and time management
Who benefits?
It is obvious that not every industry can implement remote work. A roofer cannot prepare roofs from home and a surgeon would also find it difficult to invite a patient to his home. The important thing is that it can be implemented technically. The following (home office) sectors in particular benefit from this:
Online marketing, web design, the gaming industry, editorial offices, data entry companies, call centers/customer services, graphic designers, IT, accounting and much more.
If you need a computer and/or a phone to work, you have the best prerequisites to use remote work for yourself and to work even during the Corona crisis and possible lockdowns. The acquisition of potential customers is not lost in the process. Some programs, such as Microsoft Teams, are helpful for getting organized and keeping traffic flowing smoothly. But other programs are also proving their worth against the coronavirus crisis and for companies.
1. online marketing
For online marketing measures, it is a basic requirement to have a functioning PC and an Internet connection. For example, nothing stands in the way of search engine marketing (SEM), mail marketing or affiliate marketing. Potential customers can still be acquired via the Internet and not much else has changed for online marketing, apart from the environment.
For example, an SEO works hand in hand with the Google Search Console and Co. as well as certain programs for on-page optimization and off-page optimization. These programs and Google only need to be available on the respective computer and search engine optimization can also continue effectively in the home office.
2. web design
As the name suggests, the web designer takes care of websites on the Internet. So if potential customers request the creation/optimization of the web design, the web designer only needs a working laptop, his programs and an Internet connection. Web design and working from home are therefore nothing unusual. It doesn’t matter whether he is sitting in the office or working at home. This was the case before the coronavirus crisis and will continue to be the case in the near future.
3. gaming industry
The gaming industry is also little affected by Covid-19. The casinos are available in online versions and with new consoles and a large arsenal of video games, gaming can move forward right now. This is because many people like to use consoles during the lockdown and video games are also largely purchased via distribution platforms such as Steam, Origin and others.
Just like in online marketing or web design, employees in the gaming industry only need their computer and an Internet connection.
4. editorial office
You usually only see an editor working at a desk with a laptop. Whether in the editorial office itself or at your own desk in your home office. Writing texts and proofreading requires nothing more than that and the editor himself. If there is a need for communication, e.g. for consultation with customers and editors, an e-mail is usually sufficient.
5. call center/customer service
The concern that it is impossible to work from home without having to use your home phone is unjustified. Telephone hotlines in particular now run via online programs such as Bria. The company ‘s telephone numbers can easily be stored there and nothing has to be done via the private number. It is only important to have a cell phone or headset. A quiet environment is also essential in the telephone industry in order to be able to work actively from home. No customer likes to hear loud background noise on the phone.
6. graphic design
Graphic designers follow the same principle as most of the industries listed. A graphic designer needs his (in this case powerful) laptop and programs such as InDesign or Photoshop. Whether he is sitting in the office or at home is primarily irrelevant. Important agreements regarding projects can be resolved via e-mail. Most files are also uploaded to the cloud and a quick installation of possible programs is all that is needed to improve communication if required.
7. accounting
Almost every company relies on computerized accounting. Programs speed up and simplify the process; data can be automatically sorted and archived. It also saves space, paper and time. It is now common practice to create invoices digitally, which is why the accounting department only needs a PC. This can be located either at the workplace in the company or in your own office at home.
8. IT
Anyone who hears the term IT will probably associate it with computers, HTML and everything technology-related. It is therefore not surprising that IT and working from home have been around for a long time. A computer is indispensable for IT and it doesn’t matter where it is located. The only important thing is that the technology and programs work and nothing stands in the way of working from home.
Good organization is essential
It is self-explanatory that employees should not simply be left to their own devices. Rather, it is in the interest of all companies to organize remote work properly. Do employees have the necessary conditions to work from home? Do you have a (good) computer/laptop and an Internet connection? It is also important to discuss in advance which programs are required to work from home. It makes little sense if the equipment is available but nobody knows which programs are needed. Clarify all important account information such as user names and passwords so that every employee has access to what they need for their work.
For example, it is of little use to an SEO employee if they are dependent on WordPress for their search engine optimization but lack the data to access it. It is important to ensure communication channels. How do you reach your employees? Do you rely on e-mail traffic or are programs such as Microsoft Teams, Skype etc. an advantage? Think about this right from the start so that you don’t lose valuable time because problems suddenly arise when working from home.
If the most important things are taken care of in advance, there are fewer potential problems. This saves you and your employees unnecessary stress and motivates them to work well from home.
Conclusion
Even if working from home doesn’t cost much in many industries, you should still be aware of the organizational aspects. For many employees, remote work is just as new as it is for the employer itself. But you shouldn’t be afraid of change. The coronavirus pandemic in particular has shown us the enormous importance of flexibility between working in the office and from home. Many industries do not have this luxury, as it is almost impossible to carry out certain work from home. So be aware of your luxury and the benefits!
For families and commuters in particular, this is a good way to make the most of the work-life balance and it significantly increases motivation. Nevertheless, we should not forget the disadvantages: The social aspect is, of course, absent in remote work. Of course, e-mail correspondence or short calls via Zoom are no substitute for interaction in the workplace itself. That’s why it’s important to maintain and facilitate a balance between working in the office and at home.
So don’t be afraid or reluctant to work from home. Be aware of the fact that the option of working from home does not mean never working in the company office again. Once you have planned and organized everything, you can use your work flexibly and are also prepared for crises like corona. So find your ideal balance and use the advantages for yourself and your company; then you will have taken a big and important step.
