Business energy costs reshaped in 2020
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The unprecedented circumstances of 2020 forced teleworking on the masses, causing a significant shift in how the world does business. Companies were forced to adapt, causing countless businesses to re-evaluate the purpose of traditional office settings. Millennials everywhere had their “I told you so” moment as businesses ultimately found that they could trust their employees to be productive at home. Nevertheless, the events of 2020 have compelled companies to create new management structures, new productivity assessments, and create new visions for the future.
As businesses re-envision how they will operate moving forward, they’ll likely encounter more questions than answers. How important is the traditional office building? Are employees productive at home? (Yes, they are). And, where do we go from here? Below, we’ll look at 3 different scenarios that describe how companies can redesign themselves to accommodate the fluctuating needs of 2020 and beyond – along with maximizing their productivity and profit.
Tele-flex
As restrictions are lifted in certain areas, some businesses are requiring employees to return to the office, at least part-time. It’s no surprise that workers can suffer from loneliness and isolation if they are forced to work 100% remotely. For this reason, coming to the office a few days per week can provide a much-needed opportunity for social interaction, while working remotely the other days offers scheduling flexibility and a sense of freedom. Tele-Flex work environments present a nice work-life balance that allows employees to occasionally collaborate professionally in the company office, while saving paperwork and other rote tasks for their home office. This could allow the employer to significantly cut down on overhead energy costs by downsizing their office space and having shared workspaces with employees alternating days of attendance. Employers considering downsizing or switching energy providers can check out this handy Business Energy Comparison to see what kind of savings might be available.
Fully remote
Since the dawn of the internet companies have taken advantage of the ability to function 100% remotely. In order for a company to be successful with a remote work environment, they must develop a strong company culture that is committed to employee engagement and prepared to meticulously assess productivity. This type of work environment can be tricky to navigate – but if done well, it can save a business tremendously on all their overhead costs. If companies can still provide their service or product while being fully remote, it’s truly a fantastic option. Employers will still need to consider certain costs like providing hardware (and software) to remote employees and any stipends for internet usage costs.
Position-specific
As business continues through 2020, it’s clear which roles are viable online, and which roles strictly require in-person attendance. Employers who have positions fitting both roles may want to consider re-envisioning a workplace that allows for online collaboration between fully-remote workers and in-office employees. This would take some finesse, but it can be uniquely rewarding as long as current employee satisfaction is considered. As companies hire for new positions, they can filter out applicants who may be dissatisfied with a fully-remote or fully-in-office position. With this option, businesses can downsize their office space while investing in online meeting platforms for cross-departmental collaboration. By having an honest and balanced approach to the reality of their various employees’ duties, employers will have the respect of their crew and morale will be high.
In conclusion, employers need to reassess their business strategy for 2020 and beyond. It’s essential to be open to change, be willing to take risks, and be educated on the cost-benefit analysis of a new design.