Keys to efficient teleworking without sacrificing the work-life balance

Before the health crisis, teleworking was an option that could only be considered by a few, but if anything, the pandemic has brought changes, some of them here to stay. Is this what has happened with teleworking? Are we facing a sustainable way of working in the long term? Will companies be able to create efficient home-based jobs?  

HR managers face a major challenge: managing remote work without negatively affecting productivity and without having to sacrifice the work-life balance. How many of us have found it impossible to disconnect from notifications and emails, even when we’re on our own time? The line between work and personal time can be very blurred when you work from home.  

Advantages and disadvantages of teleworking 

Will there be teleworking post Covid? In a report prepared by PwC, the consulting firm analyzes in terms of costs and benefits how an increase in this trend could influence overall social welfare. The conclusions of the analysis show that, among the benefits, the following are the most important: 

• Cost reduction. Remote working saves money for both companies and employees. 
• Increased productivity. No unnecessary travel also saves time. The hours spent at work are more productive and are dedicated to tasks that really add value. 
• Better balance between work and family life. 

In fact, it is estimated that, just by increasing the time worked from home by one more day per week, a saving of 3.9 million per year would be achieved between companies and employees. In addition, this change could also lead to a CO2 reduction, equivalent to 605.5 million kg per year. In the Netherlands alone, this would represent a reduction of 2% in total road transport emissions. 

Remote team management: creating an efficient workstation from home

The digitalization process is changing the way companies work, and therefore also Human Resources management. Technology, Big Data and the development of AI will be a challenge in this regard; it will streamline processes, generate a change in corporate culture, and help to create an efficient workplace at home.  

Some of the keys to achieve a balance between teleworking and work life, which can be found in the Remote Working Experience report, also by PwC, are as follows: 

• Establishing a clear division between personal and work time.  
• Fostering the building of strong relationships. 
• Communication is essential to ensure success. 
• Building a culture of flexibility to adapt to the needs of each individual. 
• Ensuring that performance management is focused on results, not on physical presence. 
• Building relationships based on trust is key to achieving an empowered and autonomous culture. 

On the other hand, the implementation of HR management software is essential to optimize remote employee management and communication. The sense of belonging or corporate culture are very difficult to quantify but they can be aspects that can also affect productivity. A combination of physical presence and optimal telecommuting would be the perfect way to strike a balance. Remote team management is possible and should be a key objective in HR management.