30 Jun Remote Working Conditions and Workforce Globalization
The COVID-19 pandemic has pushed employers to incorporate remote working into the workforce structure, a structure that has not been adapted for decades. Remote working has been a necessity over the past year to control the spread of the COVID-19 virus, and many employers and companies are realizing that they want to keep the online options open. It is being predicted that 20% of businesses want to integrate three to five days of remote work a week. Normalizing working from home has sparked great change in workforce culture and has opened many doors for both employers and employees.
As remote working becomes the standard, it has employees asking many questions about future opportunities. Can employees apply for any job they want across the globe? Does remote working allow for employees to apply to jobs in different countries without having to move? What does this mean for employee competition?
Globalization
Workforce globalization, the ability to export services, has become a new possibility. This shift to the economy has actually allowed for skills to be exported into different countries. Companies can now increase their talent pool because they are no longer confined to workers in close proximity to their company. Employers and recruiters can choose to hire any worker that is qualified for the role and can choose the most skilled worker who may live in a completely different country.
Potential Opportunities for Employees
Remote working has made the workplace individually focused, allowing employees to build their workday around their necessities and what is best for them. A good majority of employees had to commute every day, some for over an hour to get to work. The time commuting in the car, on the train, or in the subway, can now be spent with family or resting more frequently throughout the day. Remote learning has been recognized to actually increase productivity and work-life balance. An employees’ work ethic is no longer measured by office attendance or how long an employee stayed at the office. It is now measured by how well employees complete tasks, which is more focused on their ability to do their job rather than sit behind a desk.
These shifts for employees have led to questions about workforce globalization, and whether workers can be applying to jobs that are not in close proximity to their homes. The option to work from home may expand the pool of businesses workers can choose from. Workers may now consider what company is best suited for their lifestyle or strengths, and potentially work for a company that has felt out of reach until online working became possible.
There is also the possibility that the increase of remote working could benefit people seeking work in developing countries that cannot afford to relocate. It could help to recruit and attract workers that normally rule out working for certain companies because of its location.
The main concern for employees is that because workplace globalization is attracting all qualified workers, it may create a higher demand from companies, for example, a higher level of education and skill, that could make finding a job even more competitive for workers. It could lead workers to be reluctant to switch jobs, less motivated to apply for positions that are more challenging to acquire, and even harder to first join the workforce after years of education.
If you have any questions about how remote working may affect you, please contact KCY at LAW by filling in an online consultation request or contact us by phone at 905-639-0999 to book your consultation today.