Does remote working have to equal home working?

The debate around the effectiveness of remote working has been at the forefront of many discussions in the last 18 months. There are convincing arguments on both sides of the argument, but the conclusion appears to be that personal preferences determine where a more productive place to work is. 

While many individuals will be glad to return to the office, others have discovered that remote working suits their lifestyle so well that they are welcoming it as a permanent addition into their lives. 

It’s key to note here that while remote work has been synonymous with home-working during the pandemic, this will not necessarily be the case when Covid-restrictions become a thing of the past. Remote working means anywhere but the office.

When we discuss remote and flexible working as a permanent part of business culture, there appears to be a cultural assumption that the primary beneficiaries are those with parenting responsibilities. While some parents have embraced flexible working, they’re certainly not the only working people to enjoy the perks of remote work.

For people who have worked in large cities like London, remote working can offer an improved lifestyle. With the average commute being over an hour in London, individuals can regain a significant amount of their weekly leisure time. For those uncommitted to the city lifestyle, remote work could empower them to move outside of the city (and, even the country) to areas that are better suited to their needs. In most cases, moving outside London and its commuter hotspots, will allow individuals to access cheaper housing and even give them the financial flexibility to join the property ladder. As a result, remote working has the potential to significantly increase employee happiness and satisfaction.  

For more nomadic individuals, the pandemic may have opened their eyes to frustrations of remaining in the same place. The option of remote work, whether permanent or temporary, can empower individuals to explore the world: without having to completely drop their whole lives. It’s advantageous to businesses as well: individuals can bring their experiences from new places, driving creativity and innovation.

A culture of remote work can also expand the talent pool. Recruitment can expand beyond the immediate surroundings and target individuals that are reluctant to relocate. This is especially advantageous for targeting individuals for fixed-term projects.

For a culture of remote work to work, the option for working outside the home needs to be available. Creating a budget to subsidise workers who work remotely may seem like an unnecessary expense, but as Cal Newport argues in the New Yorker, “the extra cost to subsidise the ability of worker to escape household distraction will be more than recouped in both the increased quality of work produced and the improved happiness of the employees, leading to less burnout and reduced churn”. Workers may use this subsidy to rent a desk in a local area or even just to guarantee themselves a spot in a local cafe- a favourite work spot for creatives. Empowering employees to work from a space where they feel truly productive is bound to have a positive impact for individuals and businesses alike.

Remote working is not for everyone. But for those who thrive away from the office, creating a culture that allows for remote work can result in increased morale, productivity and creativity. It’s time to start thinking beyond the office and home walls.

At Impellity, we have long-embraced having a team across Europe. Our teams are composed of individuals that are the best suited to their roles- not simply geographically convenient. By embracing remote work, we are able to access valuable and varied insights that enrich our businesses and benefit our employees.