According to a recent poll of almost 800 Canadian HR professionals, 86% believe the number of employees working remotely is set to rise.
However, the Human Resources Professionals Association (HRPA) poll indicated the biggest roadblock to trend is from management.
Only 33% of respondents said their workplaces support employees working from home.
Claude Balthazard, HRPA’s vice-president, regulatory affairs and registrar, said “The majority of ingredients for a culture of remote working are already in place: widespread adoption of technology, high gas prices, environmental concerns regarding commuting and an increasing desire for more work-life balance.
“In order to complete this recipe, employers need to step into the kitchen and show their support for a style of work which they would stand to benefit from as well.”
According to the survey, management’s concerns included:
- employees not working as hard (64%);
- challenges to work scheduling (57%);
- security of company property (57%);
- loss of control over employees (52%); and
- change in team dynamics (49%).
“Forward-looking organizations are developing a code of conduct for remote working, working with employees to set achievable goals and simply trusting in their workers,” said Balthazard. “Remote working can be a win-win for both the employee and the employer if concerns are addressed head on.”
Jennifer Harrison
Twitter: JHarrisonBIV