What Remote Workers Are Looking for in Their Future Workplace

Photo by Christin Hume on Unsplash

The shift to a remote or hybrid working model has been rapid. This seismic change has transformed our expectations of when, where, and how we work.

The rapid evolution of the workplace has been mirrored by the swiftly changing needs and preferences of remote workers. Employers need to embrace this change and cater for remote workers’ expectations. Let’s delve into what these needs and expectations are.

Remote and Hybrid Working: Changing the Meaning of “Workplace”

Before we get to the meat of the article, it is worth taking a minute to consider what we mean when we talk about the “workplace.” The traditional definition no longer fits in this context. Instead, we need to look at three separate aspects that, when combined, define the modern workplace.

• Traditional workplace: A centralized location where employees gather. It now needs to be reimagined to reflect modern work practices.
• Residency of remote workers: Many remote workers work exclusively from home.
• Coworking spaces: Coworking spaces have emerged as an alternative to traditional offices, providing remote workers with a dedicated space to work. Coffee shops can also be used!

These three elements constitute the evolving concept of the workplace in the context of remote and hybrid working.

Exploring Remote Worker’s Key Expectations for the Future Workplace

The rapidly shifting sands of the modern work landscape mean employers must understand and cater to the key expectations of remote workers in shaping the future workplace.

By understanding these requirements, organizations can adapt to modern working methods. Ultimately, the goal is to foster productivity, maintain the well-being of the workforce, and create a working environment that benefits all parties.

Here are some of the key focus areas:

Flexibility: Redefining 9-to-5

The traditional 9-to-5 working day will hang onto some of its relevance, at least for the foreseeable future, but the rise of remote work has seen its shackles loosened. Remote workers seek freedom to work to different schedules and although this can be inconvenient, there are definite advantages:

• Optimized productivity: Individuals can align their work to times when they feel most energized, focused, and productive.
• Work/life balance and integration: Flexibility in work hours enables remote workers to better integrate their personal and professional lives, encouraging a healthier work-life balance.
• Part-time/freelance opportunities: This has benefits both for employers and employees.
• No commuting stress: The daily commute is often the most stressful part of the working day.

The transformative nature of the move from 9-to-5 will help employees to maximize their potential.

The Right Tools for the Right Job

Remote working is highly dependent on workers being able to communicate and collaborate as effectively as in traditional workplaces. This means having the right tools to facilitate this.

• Robust communication platforms: Effective communication is a critical tool that must connect remote workers across distances and time zones.
• Effective project management software: The ability to effectively manage all aspects of projects is essential with a remote workforce.
• Secure and effective file management and sharing: Tools that enable secure access to company systems, resources, and files are critical.

These are just a few of the many tools that remote workers will require to work effectively.

The Importance of Versatile Workspaces

While the traditional “brick and mortar” workspace will continue to exist, it must evolve to embrace a more mobile workforce. Rigid office spaces where workers had allocated workstations are now less relevant.

Traditional office spaces need to be flexible to be more conducive to remote working practices. Among the measures that can be implemented are:

• Agile spaces: Spaces that can be reconfigured easily are incredibly useful. For instance, moveable partitions allow offices to be easily reconfigured to create meeting rooms, quiet zones, and collaboration spaces.
• Technology: Technology infrastructure that enables seamless connectivity is essential.
• Ergonomics: Adjustable desks, chairs, and lighting systems are important for the well-being of the workers.

Overall, the design of an office needs to evolve at the same pace as the working practices of the employees.

Health and Well-Being

On paper, remote working might seem like a true Utopia. However, we are social animals and the social aspect does still suffer despite elements like virtual meetings and communication tools.

Feeling isolated can have a detrimental effect on the health and well-being of remote workers and the modern workplace must adapt to address this. Some of the measures that can support remote workers include:

• Encourage a healthy work/life balance: Setting clear boundaries between personal and work life.
• Mental health support: Offering support, mentorship, and access to counseling services can contribute to a healthier working environment.
• Virtual social interaction: Regular virtual social events can ease the feelings of isolation.

Productivity and well-being go hand-in-hand, promoting health and well-being in the workplace is a critical component of the modern working environment.

The Future of the Workplace: A Worthwhile Challenge

We are at the beginning of a new age of working practices. Every disruptive change that society has faced has had to thread a rocky road and this is no different. However, the prizes are there for the taking and the transition to a remote working model has immense benefits for the employees, employers, and the planet as a whole.

Embracing the change and accommodating the needs and expectations of remote workers can prevent the remote work dream from becoming a nightmare.