Since Covid, there has been a significant shift towards remote working which many employers have continued adopting even after the fact. However, according to a business expert, too many employers are undervaluing remote workers, leading to a drop in employee satisfaction and overall productivity.
Business advisor Colin Bielckus runs The Outsourced Finance Director and is advocating for the essential role flexible and remote working can play in sustained employee satisfaction.
Remote and flexible working have become preferred choices for many professionals. Colin recognises that embracing this change is not just about keeping pace with trends but implementing a work culture that prioritises both employee well-being and business efficiency.
This approach challenges outdated norms that often disadvantage workers and are sometimes even perceived as discriminatory.
Younger employees, like those from Gen Z, may also find traditional office settings less productive, as they entered the workforce during the rise of remote work.
Colin believes that even utilising a Results-Only Work Environment (ROWE) and focusing on output rather than hours logged, could be the future of work. ROWEs include asynchronous working models and measuring performance metrics, allowing employees complete autonomy over their projects.
Colin said: “Trust is foundational in reducing staff turnover and the associated training costs, which stabilises the workforce and retains skilled talent across industries.
“I want people to remember that the most crucial asset to any business is its employees. Flexible and remote work does allow more freedom, but company recruitment processes should be reliable and able to identify any unsuitable candidates early on.
“It’s also important to recognise the potential pitfalls of remote work, such as the risk of employees feeling disconnected or isolated. To combat this, implementing robust virtual communications tools and regular check-ins can maintain team cohesion and ensure staff members feel supported and valued, regardless of their physical location.
“Empowering our workforce goes beyond providing flexibility; it’s about creating an environment where every employee can thrive and feel motivated to use their unique strengths to contribute their best.
“It’s crucial to evolve and embrace remote work setups that respect and trust employees’ capabilities without micromanaging their every move.
“Providing staff with the autonomy to manage their responsibilities demonstrates a commitment to their professional growth and the long-term success of a company. When staff are content it directly enhances employee satisfaction, client relations, and overall business productivity. It’s a win-win.”
- Hope McKellar PR