2016 Business Communications: Changing the Way We Work

Evolving Work Styles

Historically, work has been a place and employees most often relocated to be near that place.  Social trends, lower unemployment rates, and communications technologies together are enabling employees to live where they want, and work from there. In 2015, 37 percent of employees said they had worked remotely at one point in their careers, compared to 30 percent in 2006 and just 9 percent in 1995. With the available collaboration tools, many of which are cloud-based, along with the advancements in mobility, projects and tasks can be completed from virtually anywhere.

The ability for employees to work remotely and use their personal mobile devices of choice (part of the well-established BYOD trend) makes it easier for companies to recruit top talent, despite location. Also, companies are starting to incorporate flexible work options into their benefits packages, and as a result are attracting more millennials. Empowering the end user with the proper tools to work efficiently despite barriers and traditional work styles is the ultimate goal of businesses moving forward.

Something worth noting is how this will impact business IT departments. Managing and securing a business' IT infrastructure in an environment where remote employees download tools and apps (whether authorized or not), along with understanding that many of those apps do in fact increase worker productivity, will be a balancing act for IT. Also, managing remote workers isn't just an IT issue - the proper policies (e.g., BYOD, telecommuting and social media policies) should be in place, and business managers must be knowledgeable about the tools and practices necessary to successfully communicate with and manage these remote employees. All of this reflects the new reality that having an untethered workforce actually enhances revenue opportunities while improving employee morale.