The Future of Work: Remote Work Trends and Business Continuity

Numerous studies and statistics highlight the increasing prevalence and acceptance of remote work. In response to this shift, forward-thinking employers are embracing remote work and incorporating it into their business continuity plans. Preparis stands out among the key players in providing solutions for this evolving work landscape. In this blog, we’ll explore the challenges and opportunities of remote work and how Preparis addresses critical concerns.

Remote Work Trends

Understanding the current landscape of remote work is crucial for organizations aiming to adapt and thrive. As of 2023, 12.7% of full-time employees work from home, while 28.2% follow a hybrid model. This accounts for a little less than half of the current workforce, but research suggests that remote work opportunities will only continue growing. Reports estimate that by 2025, as many as 32.6 million Americans will identify as remote workers, accounting for roughly 22% of the workforce—a 10% increase in only two years.

Globally, 16% of companies operate fully remotely, with no physical office location. Additionally,  62% of workers aged 22 to 65 occasionally reported working remotely. Certain industries, such as marketing, accounting, finance, project management, and the medical and health sector, are increasingly adopting remote work practices. The utilization of digital tools and platforms in these fields highlights the adaptability of remote work, with trends suggesting a continued shift in this direction.

Challenges of Remote Work

The transition to remote work, largely accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic, has brought forth several challenges. Recently, Preparis surveyed 229 customers representing a mix of business sectors, company sizes, locations, and roles. The goal was to determine their most significant challenges and how companies solve them. Of those surveyed, Preparis identified data security, productivity, and internet connectivity as the primary concerns for companies embracing a distributed workforce. Interestingly, C-suite respondents expressed additional worries about productivity and company culture.

Organizations need robust recovery plans for potential disruptions, such as power outages or internet failures during major disasters. The open-ended responses provided by organizations regarding critical employees' access to power and internet indicate a varying level of preparedness. Preparis is well-equipped to assist companies in developing in-depth recovery plans, ensuring that remote work remains resilient in the face of unforeseen disruptions. The key lies in not just adopting remote work but seamlessly integrating it into the overall business model and continuity plans.

Addressing Critical Concerns

Effective business continuity planning involves addressing critical concerns related to remote work. Maintaining data security is paramount, considering the increasing prevalence of cyberthreats. Companies need robust security protocols and employee education programs to mitigate the risks associated with remote work. Executives see cyberthreats as their primary concern, with 73% perceiving remote workers as a greater security risk. This emphasizes the need for robust security protocols and employee education.

Additionally, disruptions caused by major disasters, such as power outages or internet failures, highlight the importance of having comprehensive recovery plans. The survey revealed varied responses from organizations, emphasizing the need for clear and detailed strategies to ensure employees' access to power and internet in such scenarios. 

Preparis Enhances Remote Work Capabilities

Companies require the right business continuity solutions to navigate the dynamic challenges of remote work effectively. Preparis excels in addressing the specific issues organizations encounter in maintaining remote teams' productivity, security, and connectivity. Recognizing the uniqueness of each organization and its distinct needs, Preparis offers customizable tools to help create a tailored continuity plan. With a state-of-the-art software suite, Preparis ensures a personalized approach through planning, testing, exercising, and alert messaging.

Many business leaders have struggled with the concept of staying in touch when their employees are not physically in the office. With so many employees now working remotely, it's more important than ever to be able to easily communicate with them on any device—no matter where they are located. Establishing and deploying a comprehensive communications plan builds employees’ trust and increases their motivation and productivity.

Preparis Alerts can deploy cross-channel communications at scale, offering a tailored solution for companies promoting remote work. Allowing customization based on location, department, group, or role, ensures that critical information reaches the right individuals in a timely and efficient manner, fostering effective communication in a distributed workforce. The bi-directional feature enhances remote collaboration by providing a centralized dashboard for instant viewing, filtering, tracking, and responding to employee messages, streamlining communication channels, and facilitating quick response times. Integrated Training further solidifies its suitability for remote work environments. It offers access to essential guidance, content, and resources that empower organizations to keep their entire workforce well-informed and prepared, even in dispersed settings.

As remote work evolves, organizations must proactively address challenges and leverage its benefits. Preparis’ commitment to understanding and providing solutions for the concerns associated with remote work positions them as essential partners in the journey towards a resilient and adaptive workforce. Embracing remote work requires a strategic approach, and businesses that integrate comprehensive business continuity plans will not only thrive in the current environment but also set the stage for success in the ever-changing future of work.