The case for flexible/remote working

Peter du ToitI'm the founder of FutureWork IQ where I spend my time assisting businesses to design digital workplaces or “offices in the cloud.” These environments enable companies to allow flexible and remote working for their teams. I also teach the digital literacy, fluency, communication and collaboration skills needed to work in these modern technology-rich workplaces.

(Image credit: Flexijobs)

In the work that we do at FutureWork IQ – which is to help individuals and companies prepare for the future of work – I often hear many women express the sentiments of Emma Plumb in this piece: Fixing Uber’s Failings with a Lesson from Its Successes

“Parents. Single parents. Parents of children with special needs. People with disabilities or health concerns. Caregivers of aging relatives. Aging workers looking to phase into retirement. Military spouses and veterans. People living in rural or economically disadvantaged areas. People who have volunteer commitments or personal passions that are part of their definition of success. All of these folks–all of us–need a new way to work, one that allows us to juggle our personal and professional commitments in a way that makes sense for both.”

And there IS a different way of working possible now. We are no longer in the Industrial Age of factory and farm workers.

Technology has rendered the need to be in the office from 9 – 5 obsolete. As she points out:

“we need companies across industries and occupations to expand and encourage access for both women and men to flexible schedules, remote work, and part-time and job-sharing opportunities at all levels.”

Smart, modern companies are right now beginning to embrace the new world of work and reaping the benefits.