Offsite work, technology and the flexible project manager

To assess whether remote working arrangements are a good fit for you, there are a few elements that should first be considered by both the employer and worker before introducing remote working arrangements, which include:

• Technology: Ensure that the remote technology environment matches that of the physical office technology capabilities. If the remote worker is not adequately equipped with the technology resources and tools that they would otherwise have if they had a physical presence in the office, then a remote working arrangement may become more trouble than it’s worth.
• Safety of the remote environment: Businesses have a duty of care to ensure that all workers are able to carry out their jobs within a reasonably practical and safe environment. A measure for ensuring that the remote worker is not put at risk is to ask them to complete a checklist/audit of their immediate remote working environment as a way of identifying, reducing and eliminating workplace dangers. The various state-based Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) websites are a good place to start for further advice on how to ensure that remote working environments are safe.
• Objectives and outcomes: If you can’t see the work being performed you need to have appropriate measures in place to validate that that the work is actually being carried out. Firstly define the scope and required outcomes of the task or project. Then agree on the expectations and specify in writing the specific goals and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs). Finally, continue to maintain regular communication with regard to issues, status and achievement of goals and KPIs.
• Role performed by the worker: Not all roles are suited to the remote working arrangement. Consider the characteristics of the role and whether it lends itself to the remote working arrangement. Typically the remote working arrangement is well suited to those who work on projects, such as consultants, researchers, graphic designers, architects and professionals in accounts and IT.

The evolution of remote working arrangements

The evolution of remote working arrangements has in part been made possible due to the latest developments in technology, such as smartphones, cloud computing, social media and the internet practically connecting anyone, from anywhere at any time.

The evolution of the smartphone has certainly changed the way we go about business, as it facilitates the ability to work ‘on the go’ whether it is from the couch or in a busy café. Workers have access to their jobs through these devices, making them more inclined to work efficiently in an area that suits them and stimulates a productive mindset.

Although technological advancements are making way for more flexible workforce solutions, it seems organisations’ uptake of the remote working arrangement is still falling short.

According to Minister for Broadband and Communications Stephen Conroy, organisations must change their attitudes about people working remotely and use the internet to connect employees. He also maintains that Australia is falling behind in the remote working trend and needs to catch up to the US and EU. Ten percent of US employees telework at least one day a month and eight European Union countries reported that more than 10% of workers are involved in telework arrangements, as compared to only 6% of Australian employees who report having any kind of telework arrangement.

With the development of the National Broadband Network (NBN) in Australia, it is estimated that approximately 12% of Australians will be able to take advantage of a telework arrangement offered by their employer and perhaps better facilitate remote working arrangements.