[GTranslate]TORONTO – When the world went into “lockdown” one year ago, it changed the way we work and the way we live. The abrupt closure of many offices and workplaces last spring prompted a movement to a remote work environment for millions.
While working from home was a temporary response to containing the spread of Covid-19, it may just be the way of the future for many companies. For instance, according to Statistics Canada (May 2020), about 40% of Canadians are employed in jobs that can be done from home. That is significantly higher compared to just 13% in 2018.
A survey on business conditions conducted by Statistics Canada (Fall 2020), revealed over one-quarter (27.2%) of businesses with remote-work capabilities, had their entire staff working remotely. Another 14.7% of businesses anticipate the trend to continue well past the pandemic.
This can be good news for some businesses. Moving towards such arrangements might provide employers considerable savings with respect to real estate and rent. Other benefits include increased productivity and reduced employee absenteeism.
According to Global Workplace Analytics (GWA), a research-based consulting firm that helps organizations adopt remote work strategies, estimates that 45% of US employees hold a job that is remote-work compatible (similar to Canada’s rate of 40%). Based on these estimates, employers could save about $11,000 USD (almost $14,000 CAD) per worker, per year.
While not all jobs are equipped to provide workplace flexibility, those that do offer benefits in other ways. GWA estimates that employees stand to save about $3,000 USD ($3,800 CAD) per person, annually, while working from home. Some home office expenses can also be claimed against employment income for tax purposes.
Not only are the savings attractive, but studies suggest that by working remotely, each person can save approximately 14 days a year in personal time by not travelling to and from work. Time otherwise wasted while commuting and sitting in traffic.
For Mitchell, (last name omitted for confidentiality reasons at his company), an asset and procurement manager for one of the largest industrial material handling dealerships in Ontario, the transition to working from home has proven to be a positive impact for him.
“Being able to work from home during lockdown, I find myself more focused and productive at my job”, he told the Corriere. “The time and money I’m saving on commuting, gas and car maintenance is an added bonus”, he said.
Mitchell explains the quieter home environment offers fewer distractions allowing him to do his job more efficiently. It always comes down to the bottom line. Some of the top researches suggest workplace flexibility leads to improved performance, greater productivity and overall profitability.
Although, working from home may not be ideal for everyone, especially for parents with young children. In certain circumstances, it can be difficult for them to get work done without interruptions. It can also lead to working extended hours and pose a greater challenge in maintaining a healthy work-life balance. Even Mitchell agrees it can be tough and describes working through his lunch and skipping breaks.
The experience of this past year has many believing that incorporating a remote work strategy will be the new revolution in the world of work.
