#outofoffice
Throwing the world off balance, life as we know it is changing, as all of us are exposed to the devastating impact of the Covid-19 virus. According to ‘acas’ (the Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service) current government advice is for everyone to try and stop unnecessary contact with other people, and to self-isolate. This limitation to social distancing, dictates that the public where possible, must work from home, avoid public transport and avoid social gatherings.
Within the corporate world, for many marketers, one significant alteration which is setting precedent, is the shift from the corporate 9-5 office routine, to a remote work routine.
Compromising the traditional world of work, what is becoming apparent is the businesses which have already prepared basic business continuity measures in light of the recent mandatory changes to the work-life routine.
According to statistics recently published by ‘Marketing Week’, it appears that 40% of marketers perceive their organisation to be ‘very proficient’ at enabling remote work, with strong technology, culture and processes. 43% believe their organisation to be ‘somewhat proficient’, and only 16% describe their organisations as ‘not proficient’ with weak tech, culture and systems in place.
Challenging the perception of productivity, these new work regulations, not only protect us all from spreading illness, but are now likely making employees and employers alike, question the overall benefit of the rigid 9-5 rote, a daily commute, and the everyday constrain of an office environment.
Findings from a recent survey conducted by ‘Marketing Week’ and ‘Econsultancy’ found that out of 887 UK brands marketers, remote working has been a somewhat rare occurrence. However, 83% believe it will become somewhat or very common over the near to medium term.
Indeed, if business goals, albeit temporarily, can still be achieved using a remote working model, which then proves to be not only just as successfully productive, but maybe more so than the usual office routine; this could propose a better balanced way of working, in future.
Is now the time, for the corporate world to enrol a dynamic change and embrace a remote, technologically enabled future of work for their employees?
Initially adopted, as part of an adaption plan in the midst of an international crisis, can the recent changes within the corporate world, remain and work to implement a permanently accepted alternative working week, to shape the future of business.
When questioned, ‘Marketing Week’ found that only 12% of marketers believed their organisation would definitely be compromised should there arise a significant increase in remote working.
Different demographics within marketing teams, and offices in general, may find that remote working however may compromise some business functions which would normally be completed efficiently, for example IT support, interviews, and conference calls.
In light of increased stringent changes to GDPR, when questioned, 32% of marketers expressed worry about the challenges of accessing data and databases, 29% were concerned about campaign coordination, and 25% were worried that usual vendor or client management would be compromised.
Whilst remote working is convenient for some, it is also vital for rapid training in this area to be provided for all staff which are required to adapt successfully, in order for this to be sustainable.
In the context of remote working, following the Covid-19 outbreak, 54% of marketers surveyed, think most ways of working will go back to normal, but there will be some changes; however, only 32% of UK marketers envisage that their working life will return entirely to the way it was, once this pandemic ends.
Statistics from Marketing Week
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