Remote Work Considerations for Employers in 2021

Remote work is here to stay, so what should employers be thinking about in 2021?

When the COVID-19 pandemic halted our personal and professional lives, then forced us to completely rethink them, remote work stepped in to keep employees safe while ensuring business continuity. HR and mobility professionals must continue to navigate this new normal in 2021 as remote work has solidified its place at the forefront of the future of work. Not only is it beneficial for business, but it’s even likely to continue even as vaccinations become more common. From flexibility to software, what are the remote work considerations for employers in 2021?

Remote Work Remains a Top Choice for Employees

While remote working is not one-size-fits-all, it remains the preferred method of working, especially as the novel coronavirus continues to be an issue for many countries. In June 2020, an employee survey showed that eighty-one percent of respondents want to continue working remotely at least some of the time, while 61% would like remote work to become their primary work method. New employee research from Nintex reveals that seventy percent of survey respondents said that they are doing well working remotely, and that they have been more productive than expected.

Remote Employees Focused on Automation, Flexibility, and Mental Health

The same Nintex survey revealed that fifty-one percent of respondents said that their work-life balance would improve with the ability to work remotely. This flexibility has been paramount for employers and employees over the past year, as research has shown employees enjoy saving time on commuting (54%) and a better work-life balance (49%). The Nintex survey also showed that thirty-nine percent of employees want access to automation software to improve their work life.

Mental health and wellness is a top priority, as forty-nine percent of respondents revealed they are not as happy during the pandemic. This can be due to several reasons, from the stress of handling a global pandemic, rapid changes to personal and professional lives, the transformation of the way we communicate, or even burnout. It’s important for employers to navigate these challenges with healthy workloads, consistent communication, and wellness programs.

Benefits Will Shift with Remote Work

This focus on mental health is part of an overall shift in how employers offer benefits in the new remote normal, as telemedicine is one common offering from employers to employees. According to BenefitsPro, as the global embrace of remote work continues, benefits will likely become more standardized. With many employers no longer offering office perks or gym memberships, employers will have to consider benefits and incentives that meet the needs of a remote workforce.

Mobility Will Be at the Forefront of Solving Remote Work Challenges

As remote work becomes the new standard around the world, with it comes the exciting possibilities to tap into the global market of remote talent. Mobility professionals will be at the forefront of new approaches to the recruitment of global talent but with remote work a key consideration. With this comes a focus on tax and compliance, with mobility professionals being the go-to experts for how to handle any and all tax issues no matter where the employer and employee are located. No matter how the global talent landscape shifts, mobility is where work is going.

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