Adapting to the New Era of Remote Work: The Role of Technology in Making It Possible

“What we discovered in designing this workplace of the future is that we need a workplace that has choices for all these work styles,” says Scott Strzinek, NI Corp.’s senior director of global facilities. 

The company had employees test the changes, designed by Gensler, in a portion of its building before going ahead with a renovation of 450,000 square feet, to be completed in 2024. NI Corp., which has 70 offices in 25 countries, plans to roll out the designs to other locations over the next few years." - WSJ

Back in the day, remote work was a pipe dream for many companies. It was challenging to implement and manage, and not all employees had the necessary technology or equipment to work from home. But over the years, technology has made remote work more accessible and convenient for businesses of all sizes.

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Thanks to technology, employees can now work from anywhere in the world with just a laptop and a reliable internet connection. Remote work has become more popular and prevalent, especially in recent times with the pandemic forcing many companies to shift to remote work. But technology has made the transition easier for businesses and employees alike.

Video conferencing tools like Zoom and Skype have made it easy for teams to communicate and collaborate on projects, no matter where they are. Cloud-based software and file-sharing platforms like Dropbox and Google Drive have made it possible for employees to access and share documents, files, and data from anywhere in the world. Instant messaging apps like Slack and Microsoft Teams have enabled teams to communicate in real time, boosting productivity and efficiency.

Architects are increasing access to the outdoors, even in skyscrapers. More office buildings will include “touchdown” spots where visiting employees can log in and work, says Annie Draper, a director who specializes in flexible office spaces at Hines, a global real-estate developer based in Houston.

These technologies have not only made remote work possible, but they've also made it more efficient and effective for businesses. Companies can now hire the best talent from anywhere in the world, and employees can enjoy a better work-life balance by working from home. Plus, companies can save on office space and other overhead costs, making it a win-win for everyone.

But, it's not all sunshine and rainbows. With remote work, businesses need to consider how to keep their employees engaged, motivated, and productive. A lack of face-to-face interaction can lead to feelings of isolation, and it can be difficult to build a cohesive team when everyone is working remotely.

This is where technology can help once again. Virtual team-building activities, online training sessions, and collaboration tools can help teams stay connected and engaged. Regular check-ins, feedback, and recognition can also motivate employees and boost their productivity.

Outdoor terraces, greenery, and access to natural light and windows are major features in plans for new buildings. While Covid concerns spurred some of the open-air ideas, they are also aimed at replicating what many employees enjoyed when working from home.

“A huge priority for us is to add outdoor space with new developments vertically throughout and as many floors as possible, whether it’s a skyscraper or a shorter stack,” says Whitney Burns, global client strategy lead at developer Hines.

Remote work has come a long way over the years, thanks to technological advancements. As businesses continue to embrace this new way of working, it's important to recognize the opportunities and challenges it presents. 

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Tweet: Remote work is here to stay and technology is leading the way! As an office technology consultant, I'm excited to help businesses make the most of these technologies and adapt to the changing landscape of remote work. #remotework #technology #officetechnology #consulting

Intro paragraph: As the world continues to navigate the pandemic, remote work has become the new normal. But even before the pandemic hit, remote work was on the rise, and technology has been leading the way. As an office technology consultant, I'm excited to help businesses make the most of these technologies and adapt to the changing landscape of remote work.

Keyword list: remote work, technology, office technology, consulting, pandemic, new normal, work from home

Search question: How has technology made remote work more accessible for businesses?

Image prompt: An image of a laptop on a desk, with a video conferencing tool open and a virtual team meeting taking place. The background can be a home office or a traditional office space, showcasing the flexibility of remote work.