Work Fanatic

The consistent development of newer technologies in combination with increased work loads due to the recession as energized a common yet boring subject – work place flexibility.  The drive for the 9-5 work place and what that brings to the business vs. the flash, flare and risk taken on by companies looking outside of the norm to address the challenges facing a global and mobile workforce.  The word is out but the followers are few.  The stats show that an increased number of employers actively accept remote working or flex hours into their strategy.  But how many people actually take advantage of it and why?

Let us look at all of the reasons for not going with the remote workforce.  We have heard the most common comments such as a lack of a unified mission, the inability to keep track of the employees, and just overall less control than with the people in the office.  But are these realistic concerns or more complex.  On the surface, they might seem justified.  Keeping track will involve new processes and possibly technology implementations, those come with a cost.  But it seems as the work force continues to develop into a wide spreading mesh of human capital resources – why would a company naturally limit itself to the professionals only located in their area?

There is a simple answer and that is fear.  Fear comes in many forms and when discussing this subject, it comes in more than one way.  Take for example, the fear of the manager.  I will not know what my people are doing.  If I let one person, everyone will want to do it, etc.  Managers need to challenge themselves in a manner that spurns growth not only of the staff but of themselves, re training their brains for new skills to handle a distributed workforce that can be more effective and less costly than those that are centralized.

Cultural fear is a foundational element for professional companies as well.  None of the other groups allow for remote working and therefore how can I step outside of the norm and allow my group to do it.  The fear of the masses can be overcome when a manager reviews the pro/cons within his group and determines the best course of action with work force flexibility to ensure the most benefit.  This will need to be done with analysis, and then an implementation strategy that mitigates risk from the beginning.

In a recession based culture that is driving more results with less resources, the need for the company to leverage their current work force is required.  This will need a fresh look at the obstacles and challenges that will be faced when aligning with the company’s objectives.  Work force strategy is a critical component of that strategy and flexibility will continue to rise as technology drives collaboration.

Companies need to continue to execute on strategies that allow for flexibility, and employees are required to show their employers the benefits when those concessions are given.