According to a recent report*, the pandemic forced many employees and organisations to experiment with remote working. And, although long-term outcomes are still unclear, the amount of remote working is likely to remain much higher than it was pre-pandemic. Below is a summary of several key points from the report.
What do employees want? Work remotely, at least some of the time. No commute is the most beneficial aspect.
What do organisations want? Mixed response, driven by actual or perceived productivity and costs of remote working.
Reconciliation of employee and organisation wants? Experimentation and negotiation. Many organisations are likely to experiment with the hybrid model—2-3 days a week working in the office and 2-3 days working remotely.
Employee wellbeing? For some, remote working may improve their work-life balance, whereas for others, they may find it difficult to switch off and maintain a work-life balance.
Employment opportunities? Remote working arrangements may increase opportunities for people who face barriers to labour force participation (eg carers, people with disabilities, and those living remotely).
In this video, Holland Haiis gives tips on how to work remotely without letting productivity or wellbeing suffer.
*Australian Government, Productivity Commission. (2021). Working from home: Research paper.