Remote Work: The Work Mode That’s Here To Stay

The possibility of working remotely using digital technologies has demonstrated that there are activities and positions where physical presence in some companies or specific job positions can be dispensable.

As with any employment modality, we always recommend our clients understand its pros and cons before implementing it, so they can make an informed decision.

This time, beyond the legal component, we want to talk about the advantages and disadvantages of remote work in terms of motivation, costs, and other aspects, as these should not be overlooked when deciding whether or not to apply this work mode.

Let’s learn about the virtues of this employment modality:

1. Time Flexibility: If your company or job position works by objectives, this could be a modality for you, as it allows the worker to organize their time. If it’s not, and a certain number of hours per day is a requirement, then implementing control systems could be convenient to monitor compliance. Otherwise, you might feel that your expectations are not met.

2. Time Savings: It’s no secret that traveling in our country can be a nightmare, even for seemingly short distances. Besides saving time, traffic jams and some drivers’ reckless behavior can cause stress and anxiety. Working from home avoids these situations and represents savings on fuel and transportation for both employer and employee. It can also prevent delays and minimize absences or tardiness.

3. Facilitates Work-Life Balance: Linked to the previous point, the fact that the worker is at home means saving time for reuniting with family after work or school. It also allows immediate attention to unforeseen events like family illnesses, providing relief to the worker who is not far away worrying about his family.

4. Integration: The possibility of working from a home adapted for people with reduced abilities allows them to access jobs that would otherwise be more difficult to get, enjoying already installed comforts and avoiding the logistics of traveling.

5. Cost Reduction: For employers, it can represent significant savings in costs like electricity, air conditioning, computer equipment, heating, etc., while for the worker, it means savings on transportation, clothing, and often food. Agreements can be reached to share costs of common interest. It also considerably reduces start-up costs for companies in the initial stages of operations.

6. Improves Productivity: Having a positive emotional impact on the worker results in higher productivity, driving them to meet expectations and achieve goals.

7. Health: Undoubtedly, it mitigates the spread of easily transmissible diseases, improving the group’s overall health and reducing sick leaves from illness with a common source.

However, as we mentioned, there are disadvantages that are important to know as well:

1. Lack of Organization: There are roles suitable for remote work, but there are worker profiles that are not. A worker who has difficulties organizing his schedule, meeting deadlines, and prioritizing tasks could be more disorganized working from home, getting more entangled with personal life and daily obligations.

2. Lack of Identification with the brand: Not having all the staff in the same physical space can make it difficult for them to emotionally connect with their company and feel part of it.

3. Isolation: The lack of interaction with the company and colleagues can cause isolation or limited worker participation in company matters beyond their direct responsibilities.

4. Difficult Disconnection: Despite this right being included in our country’s current regulations, living and working in the same space can make it hard to end the workday.

5. Teamwork: It is more complicated than if the staff were in the same place, undoubtedly.

6. Hierarchies: Maintaining more direct contact with the boss can blur hierarchies, making internal promotions more difficult.

It seems that once these disadvantages are known, they can be addressed if we remember to keep the worker connected to the organization and not completely reject physical presence, which, although less frequent, could minimize the negative effects of not sharing a space together.

What do you think? Do these reasons explain some situations in your company? If you haven’t implemented it yet, does it seem like a good idea? Remember, remote work is voluntary, revocable, and can be agreed at the beginning of the employment relationship or during its development.

We will keep in touch.

Lic. Marcela Acosta V
mav@quatro.legal
Socia Fundadora
Quatro Legal