Because of the continuous spread of coronavirus (COVID-19), governments around the world were forced to implement such restrictions. Most cities are in community quarantine, thus preventing people from going out to buy their needs and even going to work. The only solution to continue the productivity of some businesses is to implement the work-from-home.
The Dubai Future Foundation has predicted that remote working will be the "new norm."
The questions here: How long will it last? What will be the effect on the companies and the daily working routine of its employees?
Work-From-Home Becomes The New Norm Amid Pandemic
Due to the lockdown, work-from-home is becoming a trend for some workers to support their financial needs. According to The National website report, the ongoing pandemic will make work-from-home the latest trend. The Dubai Future Foundation has predicted that this new work norm will last longer in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and company policies will adapt to reflect the change.
"Though it doesn't feel like it now, there will be a time after this pandemic," said the head of Dubai Future Research, the research arm of Dubai Future Foundation, Patrick Noack.
"Are we starting to set up the tools, structures, and mindsets to make remote work possible?" he asked the national public.
Before the pandemic started, UAE has one of the lowest remote work participation rates around the globe. According to the 2019 survey of the International Workplace Group, only 10% of the country's workers are reported to have a work-from-home basis compared to the global average of 62% one to two days every week.
On Mar. 29, the UAE government announced that the public and private sectors must work in their homes to help slow down the spreading of the COVID-19. The Dubai Future Foundation expects that the remote work setup will help to continue to the productivity of the companies despite the health crisis. Since many employees are meeting their companies' expectations while working-from-home and the employers allowed their employees to work in a flexible schedule, the setup may be considered after the pandemic.
What are the problems this new trend will face?
Since many employees are now working-from-home, many issues have arisen due to the large number of people using home internet plans. According to the data given by SHRM website, 67% of the companies are taking actions on allowing their employees to work remotely, even those who don't usually do it. 36% of employers are actively promoting a work-from-home basis in all parts of the United States as of mid-March. 42% of the companies are encouraging their employees to work in their own homes on a case-by-case scenario, and 6% of them are encouraging their employees to use hot spots while working at home.
SHRM also provided a data percentage of the biggest struggles that an employee will encounter once they start remote working.
-Unplugging after work with 22%
-Loneliness with 19%
-Collaborating and communicating with 17%
-Distractions at the house with 10%
-Time zone difference with 8%
-Staying motivated with 8%
-Taking vacation time with 7%-Reliable WiFi with 3%
-Other issues with 7%.
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