A new report by PricewaterhouseCoopers of 133 companies and 1200 workers show Remote Work for Knowledge Workers has been an overwhelming success for both employees and employers. The most recent survey states 83% of companies were successful with this shift to remote work. However, managers are not ready to give up the traditional office. Few company executives believe their company culture will survive a purely remote model. If COVID-19 was not a concern, 68% of managers believe employees should be in the office at least 3 days a week to maintain company culture. On the other hand, 55% of employees would prefer to be remote at least 3 days a week even after the pandemic recedes.
Productivity numbers do not lie either. Over half of company executives say average employee productivity has improved since June 2020. Employees agree with 34% saying they are more productive working remotely than at the office. Those employees who reported lower productivity were more likely to report difficulties with technology and balancing childcare or school needs.
Technology improvements are the number one reason the remote worker model has succeeded for Knowledge Workers. Managers learned over the year more condensed, and fewer virtual meetings improve performance. To keep these productive numbers increasing, over 60% of executives expect to raise spending on virtual collaboration and scheduling tools to support a more hybrid model for the future.
The complexities of a hybrid workplace can be managed with scheduling tools. Executives will need the structure of set schedule patterns so they can better manage workflow, and employees will need the flexibility to help with other responsibilities outside the office. While employees do show interest in a range of scheduling options for the workweek, those surveyed have stated they expect more remote work in the future.
Companies are currently seeing the benefit of reducing their office real estate and increasing spending on IT infrastructure and new scheduling software. This survey states, “Over the next 12 months, 87% of surveyed executives expect to make changes to their real estate strategy, with many planning more than one change. Six in ten expect to consolidate office space into at least one premier business district location.” This reduction in office space can be challenging when employees are scheduled back in the office.
How Can We Help?
Because of the new shared space, it is even more important to have scheduling software that can display the right employees in their correct role or location. Our Visual Scheduling software, with Attendance on Demand Time and Attendance, reduces the time it takes managers to accomplish this task. Add in our Integrated Health Screening System powered by Cordata and managers can be confident those coming into the office are screened prior to entering to a new workspace.
To learn ways in which we can help your organization with more modern scheduling and health screening options, contact Time Equipment Company at sales@timeequipment.com or 800-997-8463.
