Workcations, Telecommuting, and Asynchronous Meetings (Oh my!): Predictions for Remote Work in 2022
As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to impact lives around the country, many businesses still rely on remote workers. However, some companies are making subtle changes by asking employees to come into the office occasionally for hybrid work. Some employees do not want to return to the office, while others seek alternatives. Here are a few crystal ball predictions about the future of telecommunication in 2022.
More employees will demand workcations
When you can work anywhere, why wouldn’t you choose to work at a resort or a beach-filled paradise? That’s the philosophy behind the idea of the workcation. Workcationers are remote workers who decide to do their work in vacation destinations. While this model is excellent for the employees, the remote work foundation may require some technical tools to make it feasible.
Employees need necessary tools that include more than computers and webcams. For example, employees that plan to work from somewhere other than their homes need a way to access mail from anywhere in the world. That’s where tech tools, like a virtual mailbox, come into play. This virtual mailbox technology connects a staffed mail location with an app so that your workcationers can view and manage vital correspondence with just a few clicks.
Moving away from synchronous meetings
As more employees have become tired of Zoom meetings, the trend is moving toward asynchronous conversations. These meetings include a simple voice mail rather than a stream of chats and emails. These efficient meetings see business done quickly, and employees don’t need to reset after a long face-to-face meeting.
With employees working from locations worldwide, synchronous meetings create trouble for people living in different time zones than the primary office.
Reducing the number of emails and chats
As employees become overwhelmed with hundreds of emails and chat conversations, companies reduce their communications.
Many enterprises have learned that replying to a stuffed-full email inbox can take valuable time out of the workday. With fewer communications, employees can focus on what matters: closing tasks.
Automation makes tedious tasks easier to manage
Tedious tasks slow business down, whether working in the office or a remote location. Employers are moving toward automation to keep business moving, especially for functions that don’t require creativity. In some offices, automation has helped workers reduce from a five-day week or a four-day week.
Remote work continues to grow
As employers and employees recognize the benefits of remote work, more businesses are sticking with the work-from-home model. White-collar employees can accomplish tasks anywhere they can access Wi-Fi and tech tools. Remote work allows employers to reduce their overhead expenses, but it does require them to build up their cyber security measures.
The way employers measure work is changing
Employee evaluations have been based on in-house evaluations and meeting benchmarks. As more employees work remotely, employers need to change how they evaluate them. Some employers will work with their employees to create new evaluation tools, while others will continue to use the same approaches from pre-pandemic years.
Ideally, employers create a positive culture that supports employees no matter where they work. Employers should analyze how their businesses stay profitable and function efficiently with many employees working unconventional hours.
Wrap up
The white-collar world of work continues to function remotely. As businesses move through 2022, the prediction for remote work, telecommuting, and meetings continue to change.