Further to some thoughts that occurred to us in a tete-a-tete with Financial Express, (link to article) we decided to pen down a series of Myth-Busters so that the adoption of Remote Work is neither marred nor mis-directed.
Myth – Most problems with remote & hybrid work are logistical and technological
Logistics look to solve a defined problem in the best possible manner. These problems are usually short-term (for example, delivering material from point to point or managing supplies in the cheapest or fastest manner). Once that goal is met, the logistical aim is achieved. At the same time, technology is a tool that helps businesses achieve a specific outcome better or faster or more efficiently. In essence, technology and logistics are solutions designed to solve specific identified problems. No more and no less.
On the other hand, businesses and organizations are living and breathing organisms with long-term goals and aspirations (there is a reason why they are independent of their owners, customers, employees or shareholders).
An all-encompassing solution and perspective is needed for something as complex as an organization. Technology and logistics aren’t yet up to the task, nor are either likely to reach the requisite level of forethought and creativity anytime soon.
Remote & hybrid work infrastructure needs to be designed holistically to protect long term sustainability and profitability, manage costs, benefit employees, improve productivity, increase flexibility and improve time to market.
Remote & hybrid work infrastructure must also, at a minimum, account for organizational frameworks and policies, security, training, codes of conduct, behavioural and professional adaptations, collaboration needs, technological and process redesign, finance & taxation as well as resourcing & team management.
Ideally each component should be designed to provide an outsized return on investment such that the whole is greater than the sum of the parts.
If that sounds like a lot, it is.
However, its also well worth it. Remote & hybrid workplaces are a quantum leap and are progressing ways of working that have been accumulated over decades.
As such, characterising this momentous change as one that can be leveraged with logistics or technology does grave disservice to ourselves.
It is a myth that may lead to a waste of an opportunity to re-imagine the aspects of the old world we used to swallow as ‘necessary evils’.
