Although coronavirus is undoubtedly leaving workplaces all over the world to reevaluate how to keep employees safe while still being productive, there is the potential to utilize these work-from-home policies further in the future.
Remote work has been found to be increasingly beneficial to both business and its employers, by reducing work-related stress, boosting productivity, increasing job satisfaction and slashing overhead costs.
Some companies today already started offering flexible and remote work options before the outbreak of coronavirus, but many of these arrangements have to be negotiated individually and are usually granted under certain circumstances.
Many workers have been wary of asking to take advantage of flexible working as it can come with negative repercussions, such as poor performance evaluations, fewer promotions and more. Women, particularly moms who are more likely to seek out these work arrangements, are on the receiving end of these negative consequences which leads to even more gender inequality in the workplace.
Studies have found that adopting flexible work options that has no repercussions has improved team communication and the well-being of workers thanks to reduced stressful commute times and a sense of trust between management and workers.
Overall, adopting the proper remote work policies during this time may offer companies insight into just how beneficial this can be for business indefinitely.