Remote working: happiness and sustainability
A flexible and innovative work environment that prioritizes employees well-being and environmental sustainability.
Remote working is a fundamental concept within the vision of KChain Solutions, a true philosophical, practical and strategic choice based on the belief that improving the quality of life for employees also increases productivity.
There are undoubtedly some challenges and obstacles to overcome to ensure that remote working can be adopted effectively and healthily within individual companies.
However, today, technological innovation and digital development enable the creation of a work ecosystem that supports personal and professional growth while adhering to principles of social and environmental responsibility.
This integrated approach also enhances the company’s long-term reputation and effectiveness, which is why we at KChain are convinced that a sustainable work environment is the key to facing future challenges and building a more resilient and innovative business.
The benefits of remote working for employees and companies
Beyond individual beliefs, let’s conduct a more precise and concrete analysis to understand the actual advantages of remote working at both the employee and company levels.
First, remote working allows for better time management, balancing work and private life more effectively. This flexibility reduces the stress associated with daily commutes and offers the opportunity to work in a more comfortable and personalized environment.
With an approach based on greater autonomy, trust and responsibility — key elements for psychological well-being — professional satisfaction also increases. Workers can organize their activities according to their personal productivity peaks, optimizing their performance without the rigid constraints of traditional hours.
This sense of control can contribute to a better work-life balance, reducing the risk of burnout. It’s no coincidence that, according to a 2022 Buffer report, 91% of remote workers stated that they are more productive working from home, while 83% reported increased motivation.
In addition to reducing stress, the decrease in commuting has a positive impact on physical health by reducing exposure to pollution and the time spent in static positions during the commute.
The time saved can be dedicated to healthy activities such as exercise, home cooking, or simply rest, further improving overall well-being.
What are the advantages from a corporate perspective?
Happier and less stressed workers are generally more creative and collaborative, leading to increased work quality and decreased turnover and absenteeism. A work environment that promotes well-being contributes to greater employees retention.
In this sense, a 2015 Stanford University study showed a 13% performance increase, a 9% productivity increase per hour worked, and a reduction in sick days for home workers.
Remote working can also expand the talent pool available to companies, allowing them to hire highly qualified professionals who may not be willing to relocate. This access to a global talent pool can enrich a company with diverse and innovative skills.
Finally, adopting remote working can reduce operational costs: the company can downsize the physical spaces needed and reduce general office expenses, investing these savings in employee resources such as training and technology, creating a virtuous cycle that further fuels productivity and employees satisfaction.
In summary, we can say that remote working not only improves worker well-being but also represents a winning business choice that promotes productivity, motivation and sustainability, creating a resilient, loyal, and innovative work environment.
Environmental sustainability and remote working
Another significant aspect of remote working is its positive impact on the environment.
By reducing the need for daily commutes, greenhouse gas emissions are lowered and urban pollution is reduced, also contributing to significant energy savings due to decreased resource consumption in offices.
A report from the European Environment Agency highlighted that one day of remote work per week for EU employees could reduce CO2 emissions by approximately 6 million tons per year. Additionally, the digitization of processes and the use of advanced technologies allow for reduced use of paper and other physical resources, promoting more sustainable management.
Reducing the number of commuters also decreases road congestion and the demand for public transportation, with consequent benefits for air quality. For instance, a study by the National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER) found that reducing traffic during peak periods can significantly decrease air pollutants, improving air quality in urban areas.
Moreover, according to a report from the International Energy Agency (IEA), offices require less heating, lighting and air conditioning, which translates to lower energy consumption. Remote workers tend to use more efficient electronic devices, further contributing to the reduction of global energy consumption. The IEA has highlighted that adopting more efficient devices could reduce the overall energy consumption of the IT sector by up to 30%.
These environmental benefits are crucial for addressing climate challenges and promoting sustainable development. At KChain Solutions, we firmly believe that remote working is one of the key solutions to building a greener and more responsible future.
Challenges of remote working and the contribution of technological innovation
Despite the numerous advantages discussed, both individually and corporately, remote working presents some challenges that must be addressed to ensure effective and sustainable implementation.
Among the main challenges are communication management, maintaining corporate culture, and data security.
Communication is a crucial aspect of remote work. The lack of face-to-face interactions can lead to misunderstandings and reduced team cohesion.
To overcome this challenge, advanced communication tools like Zoom, Slack, or Google Suite are incredibly useful. They facilitate collaboration and maintain a constant and transparent flow of information.
Maintaining corporate culture is another significant challenge. It’s important that remote employees feel like an integral part of the company. Regular virtual meetings, team-building activities and feedback sessions can help keep morale high and strengthen the sense of belonging.
Another aspect to consider in this context concerns home working conditions. If an employee does not have a suitable home environment to work calmly and effectively, it is the employer’s responsibility to provide the necessary resources to ensure a comfortable and productive workspace, for example by supplying appropriate equipment or supporting the employee in creating an adequate work area.
This may seem like a trivial matter, but in the context of remote working it becomes fundamental, as it affects the employee’s productivity, sense of inclusion in the company, engagement and motivation. Essentially, providing support for a well-equipped home working environment contributes to the long-term sustainability of the entire remote working model.
Data security is another concern that must be taken seriously. Using home networks and personal devices can increase the risk of security breaches. To mitigate this risk, it’s necessary to implement strict security policies and use advanced technologies such as end-to-end encryption and VPNs. Continuous employee training to raise awareness about risks and best practices in cybersecurity is also essential.
Technological innovation plays a crucial role in overcoming these challenges. For example, Artificial Intelligence can be used to improve project management and productivity by analyzing data and offering personalized suggestions.
Finally, the use of monitoring and analysis tools helps evaluate the effectiveness of remote working and identify potential areas for improvement. Data related to employee performance, well-being and the environmental impact of company activities are valuable and should be constantly analyzed to ensure that work proceeds at the right pace and with the best effectiveness and efficiency for both workers and the company.
