Beyond the office - productivity in flexible workplaces
For many workers in the corporate environment, the traditional office has begun to feel somewhat antiquated. The importance once placed on the physical presence in the workplace is being re-evaluated, giving rise to a more flexible approach. With this change come various misconceptions that need to be addressed.
Myth 1 - Physical presence = productivity. The idea that being present in the office leads to higher productivity is rooted in the visual confirmation that a person is at their desk, seemingly engaged in their work. Potential distractions, impromptu and often unproductive meetings can diminish productivity.
Myth 2 - Remote work is unproductive. Some believe that employees working from home might be taking it easy. With the right goals and timely, accurate tracking of outputs employees can be equally productive working remotely.
With the right set of tools and policies, productivity can be maximized in flexible environments. Here are some best practices:
Regular check-ins: Weekly or bi-weekly check-ins can help keep everyone aligned. Such meetings can serve as a platform to address concerns, share updates, and increase the team’s cohesion.
Provide the proper tools: Equipping the team with the right set of tools is half the battle won. Collaboration tools like Slack or Microsoft Teams, project management tools like Asana or Trello can help bridge the physical gaps.
Continuous training: Regular training sessions and workshops will ensure that teams remain up-to-date with changes, latest tools, best practices etc.
Flexibility based on role requirements: Not all roles are created equal when it comes to the benefits of remote work. Some positions might demand more in-office presence due to nature of tasks or collaboration needs. The aim should always be to optimize an individual’s productivity and efficiency, rather than simply filling a seat. For such roles, there might periods when on-site presence is indispensable, while other times remote work can increase their focus and outputs.
The world is rapidly evolving and clinging to outdated notions can hold back both businesses and employees. Recognizing the value of balanced flexibility is essential. Aligning this with the company's current strategic goals not only fosters productivity but also can also create a culture ready for future challenges and opportunities.