In an insightful survey reaching across Europe’s professional landscape, 1,533 Human Resources professionals weighed in on the nature of remote working.
A resounding 92.8% of the interviewees consider remote working a positive experience, signaling a substantial shift toward this modern approach to employment, with 75.8% affirming that the best feature of Remote Working is flexible management of work schedules and spaces. Specifically, this method has been adopted by 61.4% of these professionals as a cornerstone for enhancing work management.
The survey, conducted by Digital Coach, an international digital marketing academy encompassing a broad range of countries, provides a detailed cross-section of the contemporary remote working landscape on the continent.
The foundation of Remote Working
Remote Working was born as an emergency response to a global health crisis, and the paradigm shift now highlights the evolution of remote work from a temporary solution to a mainstay in business strategy, emphasizing its role in enhancing flexibility and self-management among employees.
Other top benefits include improved work-life balance and the ability for employees to self-manage their work. Companies also recognize the potential for reduced business and employee expenses.
Remote Working: perks and downsides
Remote Working appears to have a positive impact on employees’ well-being (69.3%) and relationships with colleagues. However, the shift to remote work also presents challenges, such as an increased sedentary lifestyle, hyperconnection and overwork, and communication fragmentation.
From a business perspective, remote working offers several advantages. HR professionals see new opportunities for work management, the ability to redefine workspaces, and cost reduction.
As businesses transition to remote working models, 41.8% of HR professionals believe that improving IT infrastructure, upgrading servers, and providing necessary software and portable devices should be the first action taken. Moreover, reduced employee supervision and decreased requests for vacations and working hours reductions emerged as notable concerns.
When it comes to ensuring staff productivity and work quality, a flexible hybrid approach (75.8%) is considered most effective. Only 9.8% believe that full remote working is the most effective solution since the social aspect is still important in everyday life.
Nevertheless, a significant number of respondents have observed that the shift to remote working has led to strengthened teamwork and improved communication, probably because people feel safer and more confident in their familiar environments.
The future of Remote Working is embedded in corporate culture
The survey results highlighted the role of remote working as a more permanent fixture in the modern workplace, where companies must navigate the challenges and opportunities it presents. By prioritizing employee well-being, investing in technology, and adopting flexible hybrid models, businesses can harness the potential of remote work to create a more resilient and productive workforce.