C-Suite Blind Spot & Illuminations – Embracing Remote Work

Blind Spot

As we move past the pandemic and into a new normal, there is increasing financial and organizational pressure and momentum to fast track the traditional US workforce to a remote workforce. Today, 43% of CFO’s say they would like to make remote work permanent, where possible. Will the acceleration to a remote workforce be based on financial and technological factors or will it be based on longer term organizational and strategic factors? What will drive these decisions? How do senior executives embrace this change moving forward?

According to GWA & ACS data, approximately 3.6% or 5 million US employees were working at home half of the time or more in 2019. In 2020 with the impact of COVID19 nearly two-thirds of Americans are forced to work from home (The Economist).

Illumination

In the fast-paced world of senior executives, it would be wise for CEO’s to take a step back and refrain from making such decisions in isolation. Deciding on the percentage and extent of a remote workforce will not be easy. The constraints that are specific to the company should be considered in the ultimate design of the work force. One size will not fit all.

Multiple sources show that there are many benefits to having a permanent workforce. For example:

· Workplace footprint and related cost savings

· General increase in productivity

· Wider and deeper talent pool

· Reduction in absenteeism

· Reduction in employee turnover

However, when contemplating the benefits of a permanent remote work force, it is important to note that by the year 2025, Millennials will make up 43.1% of the global work force. This presents a unique challenge for senior executives in the decision-making process and one that should not be overlooked. How will future leaders, leadership skills, collaborative skills be nurtured and grown? How do you promote connectivity, productivity in that environment?

Many of my accomplishments have been win or lose situations. For me, second place was not an option. My key to success was to assemble a diverse team of specialized individuals who were experts in their fields. Together, we were able to develop strategies that helped me to identity, address and eliminate my “blind spots”. When winning or losing are the only two choices, choose to win.