Handling the Influx of Remote Work Requests

Before the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, the merits and pitfalls of working remotely were often debated. As states went into lockdown to help stop the spread of the coronavirus, many workforces were forced to go online and quickly adapt to a remote-only work environment. Now, as the pandemic evolves and offices and worksites reopen, employers are likely to experience an influx of requests from employees to continue telecommuting.

Is This the New Normal?

Life lately has been far from business as usual. During lockdown, we’ve experienced a paradigm shift. Remote working—or telecommuting—may no longer be seen as a workflex arrangement for select employees. As businesses reopen, it’s not as simple as flipping a switch. Every company and industry is unique and will have to decide what’s best for their business, employees and customers.

For many companies, prolonging a remote work policy is not just a safety measure. As summer approaches, it’s a logical approach to help employees with young children. With daycares, schools and after-school or recreation programs closed, parents are figuring out how to entertain young children at home while still working. Continuing remote work policies can also provide management some more time to reconfigure office floor plans and procedures to be a safer environment. Some companies may extend working from home for employees simply because it’s been working out well.

 

Requests Start Rolling In

As the decision is made for employees to come back to the office, employees may begin to have remote work requests. Likewise, companies may be more accepting of those requests than prior to the pandemic. Some companies could even make their entire operations remote as a new way to manage facility costs.

Employees may have personal reasons for requesting to work from home instead of coming into the office every day. Keep in mind the following common reasons:

·         Fearing contraction and spread of COVID-19 to family members or their household

·         Caring for children or other family members

·         Complying with social distancing mandates

·         Saving on commute time

·         Being more productive

Lastly, employees also may have quickly acclimated to working from home and would like to simply continue that work situation. As states start opening up again, employers should have a plan to address the post-pandemic workplace and workforce.