(The following is an excerpt from the book, Hacking Normal by John Stevenot available on Amazon.com)
Richard Branson once said, “In this increasingly connected world, you really can work from anywhere.” If you read between the lines, hidden within this statement is a complex world that few of us have taken the time to truly appreciate.
Richard Branson, though he may not know it, is talking about the future of work. The traditional notions of what it means to work for yourself or for a company are about to be turned on their heads. It’s inevitable.
The only question is, can you see and adapt to the changes before you are left behind? The idea of being able to work anywhere in the world is not a new one.
People have been working and contributing to international companies, products, and efforts for decades. But, with the advent of the Internet and cloud computing, it should be no surprise to you: distance and location matter less than they ever have in history.
If the work gets done and the product or service is delivered, does it matter where the work happens?
No.
Despite what others might think or what you might believe, remote work is on the rise and is going to become the new normal.
Companies are using outsourced, remote workers more than ever because they are cheaper, specialized, and can work while the rest of the company sleeps. Remote work is no longer just a gig for the newly graduated student while they search for a more stable job. No, remote work is a career choice for individuals who are willing to take on the responsibilities and high standards of an autonomous life.
Remote work is not only providing lucrative cash flows for people, but also extreme personal freedom.
Hallmarks of the Future
According to an article in Fast Company magazine, future workers are going to be drawn to remote work because it offers various lifestyle opportunities that young professionals and some seasoned professionals value more than a paycheck.
Location Independence
Young professionals are looking to control where they live. Some want to live in the mountains of Colorado, others in the rolling plains of Montana, and some in the hustle and bustle of New York City.
Location independence offers workers the ability to work for the company of their choosing (one that reflects their values and skills) while, at the same time, living in places that reflect their personality and intrinsic values. No longer will employees be forced to work only for companies that are local. The door is wide open to work for anyone, anywhere.
Real-Life Is Accessible Again
As we move away from working conditions and the ideals of the Industrial Revolution (yes, most of the standards for work today are that archaic), people are taking better care of themselves, their relationships with people, and their communities. Health and social consciousness are becoming major concerns for people.
On top of that, people want the freedom to care for sick or troubled loved ones without fearing the wrath of an employer for not being in the office. The finer things in life are no longer the brand-new BMW, but moments like watching a baby take her first steps or watching the leaves fall as the seasons change. Intrinsic value is beginning to trump 53 John Stevenot extrinsic materialism. The relationship between work and life needs to reflect those changes.
Focus on Efficacy
Buzzwords that used to make companies excited such as efficiency and effectiveness are losing their impact. Most employees and employers don’t want to work toward shaving two seconds off their production time anymore. Instead, they want to work on making sure that each action is going to bring about the greatest return on investment. In other words, companies and employees want to focus on things that bring about efficacious results.
Efficacy is all about doing the things that bring about exponential change. When people know they are working on things that are going to have an immense impact on the company and the customers, they work harder and care more about their work.
Increased Engagement
Employees, especially the younger generations, are going to want to work when they are at their best. The typical nine-to five workday simply doesn’t work for everyone. Some people, like myself, prefer to work at different hours of the day, when we are more focused. When an employee is more focused, performance is better, and tasks get done more quickly and accurately.
Time Flexibility
When a company is flexible and allows its employees to own their work schedules, they are empowering the employees to become their best. Companies also turn themselves into a cohesive, 24-hour machine. As employees are spread out over different time zones and operating at different optimal times of the day, work is constantly moving forward.