Work is changing everywhere, and it’s messing with our lives
Companies are splitting into two groups:
Companies that prefer you to be in the office daily, and work long hours, all about speed and hustle. They believe faster and better when they are together in person. However, a lot of employees become stressed, exhausted, and even sick. We saw OpenAI (the big AI company) close for a week because their people were exhausted. Many good people leave these companies, and it is getting harder to find new workers
Others that provide greater flexibility: work at home, flexible hours, focus on results, not time in the chair. Workers here are more likely to stay, are happier (57% more satisfied), and companies lose fewer people (25% less turnover). However, remote work is not ideal as well. Some feel lonely and at times you may be left out of promotions or salary increment, especially when you are a woman or have a family to care for
Are we creating a healthy future of work or new methods of burnout? Are these so-called flexible jobs fair to all or are we creating a new form of workplace inequality? How can we make work better not just to the company but to real people?
Workplace inequality? I don't think so. You see, remote work (telework) is the way of the future. Employees would save a lot of money on gas, with a greater work/life balance. Employers won't need to spend money on materials or equipment necessary for the workplace. The reason why remote work is criticized so heavily, it's because many believe remote workers will procastinate and not do their jobs. They won't have the same experience as those who work in a physical setting. Even US President Donald Trump signed an executive order requiring all federal agencies to stop remote hires. All in a plan to force everyone to work physically.
I'd say chances of a burnout in a physical workplace is higher than working at home. With AI and other revolutionary technologies transforming our economy, change is bound to happen soon. Like I've said, telework is the future. And don't get me started on telemedicine. Who knows how long will it take before the transition is complete?