The rise of remote working and how to embrace it

For the past few years, we’ve encouraged Logitech employees to work from home a couple of days a week. We believe that remote working is a win-win proposition for both our business and our team. And we’re not the only ones. Now, the Covid-19 pandemic has forced companies worldwide to rapidly transition from traditional office-based business models to remote working models – and many have realised that their employees no longer need to be in the same physical place to work together effectively. 

Multiple studies show that those who work from home are often significantly more productive than their office-based counterparts. Not only can they fully focus on tasks with fewer interruptions, but many can also take on new tasks because they no longer need to spend a long time commuting or travelling to client meetings. Logitech’s employees, for example, save an average of 90 minutes per person per day in commuting time, which also significantly reduces their carbon footprints.  

Removing the daily commute also cuts employees’ travelling costs and allows them the flexibility to establish a healthy work-life balance, which makes them happier and more motivated than office-based employees. This reduces burnout and increases employee retention rates. 

Other business benefits include cost savings on office spaces, and the ability to tap into a wider pool of talent in various geographical locations.

To reap these rewards, however, companies must empower employees with the tools they need to work effectively at any time, from anywhere. This could include everything from high-speed internet and robust data security systems, to a desk and chair, a laptop, a mobile device, a docking station, a keyboard and mouse, an external display, a headset and/or speakerphone and a webcam.

Businesses should also invest in platforms such as Microsoft Teams to enable employees to share files, communicate and collaborate in real time via email, instant messages, and video or voice calls.

Organisations should also train employees to develop remote working skills and create a flexible and collaborative working culture where employees can connect on a business and personal level, just as they would in an office.

Now that businesses have a new perspective on remote working, many will likely allow most employees to work from home some of the time. By investing in the right technology and creating a collaborative culture, these companies can guarantee that their employees will work successfully from any location.   

Scott Wharton is vice president and general manager of video collaboration at Logitech

This article was originally published in the Summer 2020 issue of The Record. To get future issues delivered directly to your inbox, sign up for a free subscription.