The need for a physical work-place is becoming obsolete. In the past, you needed tools that were physical, a camera, a desk, a meeting room. Now these tools are digital. At least 50% of jobs rely on digital tools.
Why? Because in our digital world, you can order goods 24/7. There are no longer restrictions like office, and people are able to enjoy more flexible work schedules and hours. More companies are fostering mobility with laptops, smart phones and other digital tools. Even those working in the service industry can use an iPad rather than a cash register. Banking services are now available on your smartphone meaning no more time consuming trips to the bank. Nonetheless, some companies don’t fully understand what this transition to using digital tools and flexible work schedules means for them.
This is due to a kind of psychological block. There is still this idea that I should be at my desk so that people see that I’m working. But, there are advantages to embracing flexible work schedules and locations. Some employees perform their best work in the morning while other prefer to work late at night. If the task allows it, people should be given the freedom to choose when and where they feel most comfortable working.
Working and communicating with others across time zones can be an issue. In the worst case, you have one team in India and one in the US trying to coordinate when to meet. Thanks to flexible work schedules, this is absolutely possible.
However, there is a need for physical contact in the working environment between colleagues. I really recommend that you have times when you bring people together. Try virtual social meetings, encourage employees to have lunch together via Skype or host team events online.
By increasing knowledge among the workforce about the digital tools available to them at work and in their private lives, any company has the tools to transition to a mobile or hybrid working model. How? Promote transparency. Managers should provide clear goals and instructions while employees should be honest about what they can achieve. This keeps people motivated and self-sufficient. And perhaps most important, trust that your staff will continue to perform even when they are not at the office.
