Remote Work May Be Future-Proof, But Is Now The Time?


To the joy of many employees, remote work seems like it is here to stay. A little over a year has passed since the pandemic shook the global landscape, and yet most industries and leading businesses find that remote work is more effective than an office-based set-up as the most productive employeesOpens in a new tab. might just be those who work from home.

So, are offices extinct?Opens in a new tab. This is a question that tickles the minds of decision-makers and entry-level employees alike. To determine the best course of action, businesses must consider several things, among them are:

  1. Health and SafetyOpens in a new tab.

  2. Mental HealthOpens in a new tab.

  3. ProductivityOpens in a new tab. 

  4. CommunicationOpens in a new tab.

So, what is the purpose of an office?

The main purpose of physical office space is to create a special work-focused environment that helps its occupants to get their jobs done easily. An office has the tools and the resources needed to perform job tasks. It gives a designated place to work, often surrounded by coworkers that foster easy collaboration and effective communication when needed.

While the purpose of an officeOpens in a new tab. has remained the same for a long period, there are ongoing debates about the need for physical office space when discussing the future of work. More and more companies will allow workers to perform their jobs in a fully virtual environment, eliminating the need to be present at an office physically. However, we can see that many leading tech companies in the world such as Amazon, Google, and Facebook spend generous amounts of money to create new office spaces for their employees.

Is workplace flexibility the answer?

Workplace flexibilityOpens in a new tab. is a working arrangement whereby there is flexibility for an employee as to where he/she wants to work, the time he/she will work, and how he/she will work. Workplace flexibility benefits both the employees and employers; it gives employees a chance to attain a work/life balance which will allow employees to give more to the organization such that they will be more productive.

As people begin to return to work now that stay-at-home orders are becoming more relaxed, companies need to find ways to adjust to this new world. Employees are likely nervous to come back to work, so what can you do to ensure that all your employees feel safe and comfortable? 

Check out these ten tips for what companies can do to make their employees comfortableOpens in a new tab. when they come back to work. You know your company better than anyone else, so it is up to you to make your workplace more comfortable as people start coming in again.

Keeping your company connected at all times

Times like the COVID-19 crisis can open your eyes to how connected your companyOpens in a new tab. truly is.  It can be easy to lose touch with so many people working from home, but it is important that you take measures to keep your company connected. A virtual office is very different from a physical one, but your workers do not have to feel isolated or disconnected. Some ways you can help your employees include giving tips for working from home, encouraging normal work hours, communicating through video chat, encouraging needed breaks, and rewarding progress.

Is the Office Dead?

I discussed the future of Work with Chris Herd, Founder, and CEO of Firstbase, and Jonathan Schultz, Co-Founder and Partner Oynx Equities over at YouTube. Check it out at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9POzfknJdrwOpens in a new tab.

What do you think of remote work as opposed to traditional office-based set-ups?

Join our discussion on our Discord server via the following link: https://discord.gg/gbJ9Ta78JG


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Steve Todd

Steve Todd, founder of Open Sourced Workplace and is a recognized thought leader in workplace strategy and the future of work. With a passion for work from anywhere, Steve has successfully implemented transformative strategies that enhance productivity and employee satisfaction. Through Open Sourced Workplace, he fosters collaboration among HR, facilities management, technology, and real estate professionals, providing valuable insights and resources. As a speaker and contributor to various publications, Steve remains dedicated to staying at the forefront of workplace innovation, helping organizations thrive in today's dynamic work environment.

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