Ask Vikki: Is remote work here to stay?

Question: “How are organizations handling their policy on remote work now that some organizations have in-the-office employees, hybrid employees, and remote employees?”

Answer: The workplace as we knew it…is dead.

Is remote work here to stay? According to a Harvard Business survey, 1 out of 6 employees continues to work from home. In fact, some employees are threatening to quit if they have to come back to the office. Research indicates 39% of working adults would consider leaving if their bosses aren’t flexible. It increases to 49% for Millennials and Gen Z. (Bloomberg News)

March had a record number of job openings and now some employees are hiring teens at numbers not seen since 2008.

Yes, 2020 changed the way we work. Remote/hybrid employees demand flexibility. Studies show employees want greater control over their lives and time to invest in themselves. However, research from the Nielsen Corporation indicates 77% are hopping online while on the clock and 50% are actually working for another company. Yep, there’s even a website (www.overemployed.com) that provides all the information one needs to juggle two positions, including how ways to keep your LinkedIn profile free of red flags.

But Tech companies want their workers back in the office. At least for a few days a week. And it’s easy to see why. Apple spent $5 billion on its campus in Cupertino, California, and $1 billion in North Carolina. Construction is ongoing at Facebook’s Altoona Data Center to the tune of $ 2 billion.

So what will the ‘office’ look like when the pandemic is over? Only one thing is certain. Employers need to guarantee a safe and productive work environment.

Would you like to submit a question? Visit this page to Ask Vikki about business, marketing, and public relations questions.