The relationship between technology and remote work: Advantages and guidance

​Unsurprisingly, information technology and communications are leading industries that supports remote work. In a recent report conducted by CIPD, more than half of employees in these environments work from home as opposed to other organisations. The following post will briefly explore the relationship between technological industries and remote work whilst noting its subsequent influence on workplace culture.

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Remote work: Advantages

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One of technologies’ greatest advantage is its ease in enabling communication between individuals. The advances and support for a strong internet connection allows people to communicate quickly and effectively on a global scale. For example, the popular virtual meeting software Zoom allows for 100 participants to join just one call. Other examples of advantages that aid the possibility of remote working in organisations include:

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• The use of computers: Computers and other relevant equipment are nowadays essential tools for many industries .

• Less time spent commuting to work: Technology can be sufficiently set up at home and therefore reduces the need for other physical equipment typically found at a traditional workplace environment. Many occupations including software development can take place at home, however this is not to say some face-to-face interaction with colleagues is not needed!

• Informal communication software: Communication and collaboration between colleagues does not diminish with remote working, rather the use of software such as Slack or Skype for Business provides an informal space where colleagues can converse a range of topics without abiding by e-mail formalities .
  

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Final thoughts

It is worth noting that the use of technology in the workplace is not without limitations. For starters, not all services and jobs can benefit from adopting a remote work policy (as highlighted in the CIPD report). Further, the flexibility remote working offers can offset the management of one’s work-life balance. Technology in itself can also be a means of stress for many employees, thus poorly affecting mental health. These concerns are discussed in greater detail alongside further recommendations in previous blog posts published by Castille. In the meantime, general guidance offered by the CIPD can be summarised as follows: there is a need for understanding formal and informal aspects remote working brings and an openness in learning what services can further benefit in remote work as opposed to a traditional workplace environment.