The current global pandemic has forced humankind to rethink their daily lives through measures like social distancing. Businesses had change how they operate to remain relevant. Working from home is the new normal, at least for now. The new measures are behind the Canadian Digital Marketing Revolution as everyone turns to technology to keep their operations going. Whereas working from home is a temporary response to the pandemic, it might be the catalyst that introduces a new way of doing things in the future.
What Are The Statistics?
Studies conducted in Canada revealed that more than 30% of Canadians are working from home. According to a Statistics Canada survey, workers offering essential services in jobs where physical distancing can be observed had lower interruptions in their work.
However, the study also revealed that almost 40% of Canadians have jobs that can be done remotely. For an average Canadian, the likelihood of having such a job is minimal. For Canadians with lower levels of education, their jobs cannot be done remotely.
Canada’s Telework Capacity
The industries that are working efficiently from home include finance and insurance, education services, and other professional, technical, and scientific services. Industries that don’t have telework capacity include agriculture, forestry, accommodation and food services, and fishing and hunting.
In the provinces where larger numbers of workers are in the mining and gas extraction sectors, there is low telework capacity. Workers in these sectors are also financially vulnerable, as most of them are on minimum wage.
Working from Home Is Here To Stay
The working formula that started as a response to mitigate the spread of the virus could result in a new way of operating for businesses. Companies that have invested in the infrastructure will find it more economical to have teleworkers.
Instead of laying off workers, companies are offering revised terms under the working from home formula. They save a lot of resources that could have been spent on facilitating the employee to work in the office.
However, employees will have to invest in a home office infrastructure that will facilitate working from home. So far, studies reveal that employees that are working from home are experiencing challenges. For instance, working from the dining table could cause back problems as opposed to the office chair, which is ergonomically designed to prevent back problems.
The new arrangement could also mean that the employee will have to invest in proper infrastructure. For instance, invest in a reliable internet connection, office desk, and chair. They also have to find the discipline to properly manage time and deal with interruptions from family members like kids.
Bottom Line
Working remotely could be the new normal for many companies in Canada and the rest of the world. The current pandemic might have pushed businesses to reinvent the wheel and innovate new ways of doing things.
With the availability of the infrastructure to facilitate remote operations, businesses will seriously consider their options. Furthermore, innovations in the technology sector, such as 5G networks, Artificial Intelligence, and AR/VR, could be key.
