Smart Working: What can go wrong?
Telecommuting and smartworking: what do they consist of?
Smartworking (or agile working) is a working method that came back into the limelight soon after the start of the Covid 19 outbreak. Indeed, during this period, it proved to be a useful tool for containing the virus; in this way, companies were able to ensure spacing between employees without compromising the quality of work performed.
Although we use them as interchangeable terms, there is, however, a substantial difference between smartworking and telecommuting. In the former case, the employee chooses not only where to work, but also the hours. In the second case, on the other hand, we speak only of moving the place of work from the ordinary location to another one chosen by the employee, while maintaining the contractually established hours.
The main benefits of smartworking
Although smartworking has become indispensable for many companies and workers, there are several advantages and disadvantages to consider.
As for the inherent benefits of smartworking, we can certainly start with time management. In fact, thanks to this particular method of working, it is possible not only to better manage one's daily activities, but also to avoid stressful daily events such as dealing with traffic or suffering the suffocating crowding of public transportation.
Agile working allows people to spend more time with family members, which is not always possible for those with children, and negate the costs of commuting between home and the workplace.
At the company level, energy costs are also reduced, bringing other environmental benefits in addition to the reduction of gases emitted by cars.
There is often greater helpfulness among employees and a strengthened relationship of trust between company and employee. Last but not least, one avoids sometimes “tense” encounters between colleagues with whom one may not have very good relations; this certainly creates a strong relaxation in the person.
By working from home, it is also possible to manage one's workstation as one is most comfortable, without having to abide by company rules on the use of space. There is also evidence of less absenteeism from work and improved employee productivity.
What, on the other hand, are the disadvantages of smartworking?
As much as smartworking seems like the best solution for both employees and the company, there are still important disadvantages.
Indeed, not everyone has a place at home where they can set up a temporary office and are forced to work in chaotic environments, such as the living room or kitchen. Not all employees have the useful means for working from home (adequate Internet connection, computers, tablets, and more), making it difficult to perform work tasks.
Carrying out one's activities from home is also difficult to maintain a proper work-life balance, risking negatively affecting the employee's performance.
There is also a risk of losing the “social” part of the job, interrupting human contact and making the person feel isolated from the company, often with performance consequences as well.
The problem regarding the provision of devices useful for remote work should also not be underestimated. They must in fact be prepared for the employee's use, through the configuration of programs, the securing of company standards, and only finally can they be delivered to the employee. This causes obvious slowdowns in work, resulting in great stress for employees and the company.
Our helpful tips for approaching smartworking with peace of mind
To remedy some of the critical issues discussed above, here are some useful tips for limiting stressful moments:
- Try, as much as possible, to find the least chaotic area of the house. Organize the location and try to maintain proper posture.
- Keeping devices “clean” by equipping them with antivirus software that can prevent us from running into personal and corporate security problems.
- Getting organized through tables and schedules.
- Maintain vibrant relationships with colleagues, even outside the work environment.
- Don't forget to take care of your body. This means not only maintaining a morning routine to prepare for work, but also taking time for sports, which is also useful for keeping active and healthy.
What can we do concretely for you?
Smartworking is expected to become the most widely used mode by companies in the future, so it is important to stay abreast of these new tools.
To begin to make your life easier, at vvLab we have come up with a VDI service that can enable immediate collaboration and growth with employees and suppliers, without having to wait for the procurement and control of the devices provided.
If you are interested in our service please contact us at sales@vvlab.it or visit our website. Together we can work out an offer customized to your business model!
