While some employers may view remote workers with suspicion during the current COVID-19 pandemic, the fact is that they are doing the best that they can under very difficult conditions. Imagine, working in a home where one has to care for children and possibly sick persons. If anything, telework has proven to be a blessing for many businesses where it is feasible and practical. Not only is it ensuring that one’s employees are a lot safer when self-isolating, various aspects of a business can continue with the support of today’s available technologies. Indeed, various studies have shown that even under normal circumstances, remote workers can actually be more productive. Nevertheless, there are paranoid managers who envision their remote workers lying on couches and staring at televisions.
What these managers tend to forget is that workers are more than happy to be doing a job and receiving a regular pay cheque under the circumstances. Out of necessity, they also want to keep their jobs and contribute to the business viability of their employers. In expectation of eventual business recovery the productivity and commitment of remote workers must be supported during these difficult times. Even if someone doesn’t take care of a child or sick family member, they still need to care for themselves. Maintaining one’s mental health is even more important during a pandemic than at any other time. Employers need to understand and appreciate the daily impact on mental health.
Once the pandemic comes slowly to an end, there is little doubt that some businesses may consider altering their work practices to allow for more remote working. Our workplaces and the way we work will change. Years ago, when I was working remotely, I noticed a certain reluctance by some managers to implementing various forms of telework. However, I was just as productive and efficient as I would have been working in an office. Indeed, I never missed a deadline and the organization was more than satisfied with the final product. Notably, not having to commute to work every day and having fewer workplace distractions — especially useless meetings — saved a lot of time and anguish.
Today’s workforce is a lot more mobile and technologically advanced. One of the things that the pandemic has shown is that we can operate remotely in efficient and effective ways, especially through teleconferencing. Yes, the important human factor is always there and various means can be developed to facilitate team work and work relationships. All of this requires trust on the part of business owners and managers. The ways in which we evaluate job performance will also need to change. How much time we spend at work will no longer be a major consideration. It’s real productivity that will matter the most, whether working remotely or at the office!
FROLITICKS 
Leave a comment