Pre-pandemic, working from home was often considered a perk rather than a requirement. But once COVID-19 struck, many companies shifted to a remote-first work environment – a change that’s now permanent in some cases.
Recent Gallup research data shows that, on average, 52% of all workers, including 72% of those in white-collar occupations and 14% in blue-collar occupations, performed their job remotely for all or part of the time from October 2020 to April 2021. And 83% of employers believe that going remote has been positive for their company, according to a January 2021 report by professional services firm PwC.
While a remote-first structure can present some unique challenges, workplace performance experts encourage business owners to anticipate common pitfalls.
“Focus on overcommunicating, and find ways to encourage people to work together rather than doing it alone,” said Thanh Pham, founder and CEO of productivity training company Asian Efficiency.
Whether your company is remote by choice or by circumstance, consider apps and digital tools in these five areas to optimize your telework setup.