The Remote Revolution = 1.19 billion by 2013
If you are working far away from your employer’s office on a regular basis you have joined the Remote Revolution. Whether you call it “teleworking,” “working from home,” or simply remote working the revolution has begun.
“As mobility continues to play a key role in enabling companies to achieve greater productivity worldwide, IDC expects the global mobile worker population to increase from 919.4 million in 2008 to more than 1.19 billion in 2013, representing nearly 35% of the worldwide workforce,” (from IDC study; Worldwide Mobile Worker Population 2009–2013 Forecast )
Working from a location other than an office is not a new concept. The revolution taking place is the speed at which organizations, including governments, are implementing tools, policies and processes that enable their workers to work at home or an alternative location.
The Benefits for the Employer:
- Less office space required ; real estate expense is reduced
- Employee engagement and retention: people stay at jobs where they feel respected, trusted and are permitted to work in a way that works for them
- Increase the pool of talent; no geographical hiring limitations
- Become an “Employer of Choice”
The Benefits for the Employee:
- No Commute: which saves commute time and expense
- More flexibility and control: take charge of schedule and choose work style
- Increased productivity: manage your distractions, pace your work and define boundaries
- Less stress: avoid rush hour, office politics and unpleasant work environment
- Greater work/life balance: integrate work and family obligations
- Increased job satisfaction: studies show increased connection with supervisor
Whether or not you personally participate in the Remote Revolution, this change will impact you and the way you work in the months and years to come.
Note: we created a toolkit to help organizations, managers, and employees successfully make the shift to working remotely.
