Timo Lehne’s Post

Remote working – time to balance the value of work in society.   Many emerging surveys and studies indicate that the overall benefits of remote working are beginning to be understood by both employers and workers alike. Even when a bonus is offered to return to the office, people say that this is less than their savings in commuting costs and, increasingly, the associated stress of overcrowded public transport and roads.   As hybrid and wfh moves forward apace, it left me wondering about the next phase of supporting the workforce.   For example, many of the people who cannot work remotely because of the nature of their work are often lower paid roles such as healthcare, factory work, hotels, restaurants, garbage collection, sewer maintenance, etc.   As organisations can reduce their real-estate costs, subsidised canteens, company cars (don’t need them wfh) and more, is it time to move into the New Era of Work with a New Era Mindset, particularly in the case of those whose work cannot be done remotely?   Can we re-set society’s values when it comes to remuneration and work conditions?   The current irony is that the majority of people who undertake work that cannot be done remotely are often those whose role attracts the lowest pay and conditions of employment. It is now an opportunity to move forward and change this.   As society ages it requires more carers and health workers (community and hospitals). As the climate changes the garbage collection and disposal needs to be improved. The sewers still require maintenance, houses need to be built, and so on. Yet these people tend to earn less than those working remotely with, apparently, less stress and a healthier lifestyle.   It is now time to re-visit the value of work as the apparent increased production of work by remote workers, together with reduced operating costs for companies will go straight into the coffers of the owners and shareholders instead of meeting the needs and working conditions of the lower paid.   The alternative is a new class system of remote and non-remote work and associated health and lifestyles if current studies about the benefits of remote work reflect reality. What do you think? __________________________________________________________________   If this sort of discussion about people, work, and organisations interests you, my colleagues and I aim to introduce a new subscription community in May 2024. The community called NEMO (New Era Management & Organisations) will encourage a mix of live discussion, research, development and more without the distraction of Facebook and TikTok type posts from people who do not share our passion for progress in work and society.   Sunday’s publication (28 January 2024) of our free newsletter will discuss, “Sitting on your laurels never has a happy ending. - Business lessons from Germany”. Have a read and let us know if this type of discussion is what you are looking for. https://lnkd.in/eGMuXdhm

In recent years, we’ve witnessed a profound transformation in how we work. The rise of remote work and hybrid models has not only changed our daily routines but also redefined our entire approach to productivity, collaboration, and work-life balance. Reflecting on this evolution, it’s clear that remote work offers more than just a change in scenery. It represents a shift towards greater flexibility, autonomy, and a focus on outcomes rather than hours spent at a desk. Here’s why I believe remote work and hybrid models are not just trends, but the future of work: 1. Flexibility Fosters Innovation: Remote work empowers us to tailor our work environment to our needs. Whether it's a quiet home office, a bustling coffee shop, or a serene outdoor space, having the freedom to choose where we work can spark creativity and boost productivity. When we break free from the confines of a traditional office, we open ourselves up to new perspectives and innovative ideas. 2. Work-Life Balance is a Priority: One of the greatest benefits of remote work is the ability to achieve a better work-life balance. Without the daily commute, we gain valuable time that can be spent with family, pursuing hobbies, or simply relaxing. This balance is crucial for maintaining mental health and overall well-being, leading to happier, more engaged employees who are motivated to contribute their best work. 3. Diverse Talent Pools: Remote work allows companies to tap into a global talent pool, bringing together diverse perspectives and skills from around the world. This diversity not only enriches the workplace culture but also drives innovation by combining different viewpoints and experiences. When we expand our hiring horizons, we create a more inclusive and dynamic workforce. 4. The Hybrid Model - Best of Both Worlds: While remote work offers many benefits, the hybrid model combines the advantages of remote flexibility with the collaborative energy of in-office interactions. By allowing employees to split their time between home and the office, hybrid work models provide the best of both worlds. They enable face-to-face collaboration when needed while offering the flexibility to work remotely. 5. Resilience and Adaptability: The transition to remote work has highlighted our resilience and adaptability. We’ve shown that we can quickly pivot to new ways of working and thrive in different environments. This adaptability is a valuable skill that prepares us for future challenges and ensures that we can continue to innovate and grow in an ever-changing landscape. What are your thoughts on the future of remote work and hybrid models? How have these changes impacted your work and life? Share your experiences and insights in the comments below! Let’s continue the conversation and explore how we can shape the future of work together. #FutureOfWork #RemoteWork #HybridWork #Innovation #WorkLifeBalance

Interesting read here on the ever-evolving landscape of Remote v. Hybrid v. In-Office. While right after the pandemic, fully remote jobs had been everyone's preference, seems as though things have begun to settle in a different direction - that people are wanting to have some sort of office structure again. In the article it shares how 7/10 people surveyed want to have hybrid/in-office setups instead of fully remote. Team engagement, being out of the home, higher compensation and career development are the key reasons that people are open to coming back in, while no commute, work-life balance, and ability to work from anywhere are still the reasons for remote. In the end, it is always going to be a tricky balance to appease everyone, but believe every organization needs to reflect on what is going to be best for their business and achieving the goals outlined for the year, while keeping majority of the team happy. Employees should have a say, but also understand needs may change and flexibility could be required on their end to achieve those goals, which usually will positively impact their career and compensation. Anyone wanting a further chat on this, happy to talk over. As a candidate, the more open you are to various work environments, will allow for more opportunities to be presented to you. On the client side, you want to stay competitive to market trends and understand what others are doing to attract the best talent and retain your current workforce. Feel free to message me here or email at [email protected] for a conversation!

The benefits of remote work are VERY straightforward: 1/ Live where you want or need to. 2/ Maximize the time you can spend with the people you want or need to. 3/ Have the autonomy to organize your work around your life. The true impact of remote work has yet to be realized, but the cracks are all over the pavement… Many large companies have and will have rigid workplace policies, and there’s no sign of this changing at scale anytime soon. Much of tomorrow’s workforce is working at one of these companies, honing their skills and building relationships. At first, they’ll remain accountable to these employers to learn skills they don’t have, but once they do, they will either start their own business or find a fully flexible job. It’s just a fact. People have always craved autonomy, and the best talent IS getting it. Business leaders love the 80/20 rule: 80% of outcomes come from 20% of the work. The same applies to talent: 80% of results come from 20% of the talent. This has always been true, but the 20% of the talent market has never had a “religious awakening” all at the same time… Many companies will continue to think that structured hybrid is working because most employees will adhere to mandates (at least partially), but behind the curtain will be a growing number of highly skilled people who move on once they obtain the skills and relationships needed to do so. As this continues to unfold, the STARK mismatch of supply and demand within the office sector will start to rear its ugly head. It’s a macroeconomic problem that is challenging to quantify because employers haven’t yet realized that offering a static workplace strategy (i.e. a central office model) will increasingly become a more significant business risk year-over-year. Traditional working norms are essentially propping up the commercial real estate market, which is a somewhat crazy statement given how much upheaval it has experienced since March 2020. But it’s true. Many A/AAA Class office buildings in CBD’s have relatively low vacancy rates because large employers are still renewing or leasing this space at levels that don’t reflect the gravity of this societal shift. Eventually, even many of these buildings won't be fit for purpose - at least with a traditional single-tenant leasing model. While things may appear to be returning to “normal” on the surface, they are very much NOT. Each year that goes by will see more of the talent market become empowered with choice because of the trickledown effect of how the most skilled workers will behave. There is power in numbers, and the number of people with power is growing. This is a future worth arriving at, even for the commercial real estate sector. So how do we get there? #digitalhomad ______ *These posts and statements are my own and do not represent the positions, strategies or opinions of CBRE.

Are remote work jobs becoming less prevalent, or is the structure of work arrangements just changing? And what does that mean for employer-employee tensions? Let's dive in. 🏢 A recent blog post by Ringover argues that remote jobs are becoming increasingly scarce with the number of in-office days at America's largest companies rising from an average of 1.1 days per week in 2021 to 3.4 days in 2023. Ringover argues that the U.S. is "lagging behind its major peers" with only 11.5% of roles as fully remote. Ringover's efforts to publicly share and analyze their data is laudable, we need to ask at least two major questions: 1) What is the optimal amount of remote work? Surely it depends on the composition of jobs - not to mention culture. We cannot compare U.S. with Germany for a variety of reasons; the countries are so different! 2) What is the right balance between in-person and office activity? As far as I can tell, the survey data does not track the same job over time - it's looking at different ones and hence we don't know if a job that was remote has become hybrid versus a new job that's posted as hybrid all together. 💸 The report argues that there is a disconnect between employee preferences and corporate policies. Roughly two-thirds of respondents would consider a pay cut to preserve their remote work lifestyle, highlighting the value workers place on flexibility. 💡 BUT: While these "compensating differentials" - as labor economists refer to them - definitely exist for remote work jobs, much of the variation between employee engagement and remote work is actually driven by other spurious correlates, namely whether the employee likes their workplace! The empirical evidence behind this claim is in my paper linked in comments. In this sense, return to office mandates are ineffective not because working from the office is bad, but because the companies that have had such a hard time attracting employees back probably also didn't have a strong enough workplace culture to begin with, so employees were glad to spend less time in the office. A mandate, therefore, is the last thing an employee wants! 🤷♂️ ✨ As Nick Bloom, Jose Maria Barrero, and Steve Davis have shown, WFH rates are converging to a new steady state, but organizations will still need to work out HOW they do hybrid work. Furthermore, as the debate between remote work preferences and RTO policies intensifies, it's clear that finding a middle ground will be crucial in defining the future of work. Time will tell how organizations will navigate the balance! #WorkFromHome #EmployeeSatisfaction #FutureOfWork #RemoteWork #ReturnToOffice https://lnkd.in/ejBX9eT7

Remote Work: The Battle Beyond the Boardroom Picture this: a world where your office is anywhere you decide it can be. Home, café, or halfway across the globe – as long as the work gets done. Sounds like a dream? Well, it's a reality for many. Yet, some top dogs in the business world are itching to drag us back to the "good old days" of 9-to-5 cubicle life. Why? Because apparently, real hustlers only thrive in concrete jungles. Let's get real. The resistance to remote work isn't about productivity or the lack of "hustle." It's deeper, tied to outdated views of work ethic and, dare I say, masculinity. "Working from home is for sissies," some seem to imply, echoing a sentiment that’s both outdated and sexist. And let's not even start on the implied notion that home is not a place for serious work – a slap in the face to every person who's ever built a business from their garage. Here's the kicker: The pandemic blew the lid off the traditional work model, showing that not only is remote work feasible, but it can also lead to happier, more balanced lives. And guess what? It turns out men like being around their kids, and everyone enjoys skipping the commute. Shocker, right? But no, some CEOs are on a crusade to turn back time, fueled by a vision of work that's as outdated as dial-up internet. They pine for the days when the office was a battleground for proving your worth, measured in hours spent at your desk rather than the impact of your work. Here's my take: Remote work isn’t the enemy. The real foe is the rigid mindset that equates physical presence with productivity. The future of work isn't about where you work from; it's about how work can fit into our lives in a way that’s healthy, sustainable, and yes, productive. We're at a crossroads. We can either cling to the past or embrace a future where work is something we do, not somewhere we go. A future where leadership is about trust and results, not surveillance and seat-warming. I say it’s high time we choose progress over tradition and innovation over inertia. The remote work "experiment" has proven itself. Now it's up to us to carry forward the lessons learned, not regress into old patterns because of outdated notions of work. What's your take? Are you Team Remote, or do you believe in the magic of the office cubicle? Let’s debunk some myths and maybe, just maybe, chart a new course for the future of work #remotework #workfromanywhere #leadershipmindset

🚀 The great reevaluation: how remote work and digital nomads are reshaping the future of work ➡ As the world continues to adapt to the new normal, many companies and workers are reevaluating the traditional 9-5 office-based work model. With remote work becoming increasingly prevalent among companies seeking to improve worker retention, many workers are embracing a new lifestyle - the digital nomad. ✳ The great reevaluation ➡ You won’t be surprised to learn that the pandemic has played a significant role in the shift towards remote work. Almost three-quarters of digital nomads state that their decision to go remote was influenced directly by the pandemic. This shift towards remote work and the digital nomad lifestyle represents a great reevaluation of the traditional work model, and the possibilities it can offer in terms of work-life balance and freedom. ✳ The happiness ROI ➡ The benefits of remote work and the digital nomad lifestyle are not limited to increased freedom and flexibility. With remote work and the digital nomad lifestyle allowing for greater control over work-life balance and reduced costs, it's not surprising that many workers are reaping the benefits in terms of increased happiness and well-being. ✳ The business benefits and challenges of supporting digital nomads ➡ One of the main benefits of supporting digital nomads is access to a wider pool of talent. With remote work becoming more common, companies can expand their talent search to include workers from all over the world. This can lead to increased diversity and a better representation of different perspectives and skills. ➡ While supporting digital nomads can bring many benefits, it can also present challenges with compliance and paperwork. However, these challenges can be overcome with proper planning and preparation. Companies can work with HR and legal teams to develop policies and procedures that ensure compliance with local and international regulations. This can include policies on tax obligations, insurance requirements, and data security. ➡ Furthermore, companies can use technology to streamline compliance and paperwork processes. For example, using HR management software can help keep track of employee information, tax obligations, and insurance requirements. Companies can also work with service providers that specialize in supporting remote workers to help manage compliance and paperwork requirements. ➡ As more and more workers embrace this lifestyle, it is clear that this shift represents a great reevaluation of the traditional work model, and a glimpse into the possibilities it can offer in terms of work-life balance and freedom. Companies that embrace this change and support their workers will be well-positioned to succeed in the future. As a highly experienced expert in the field of remote work and flexible lifestyles, I strongly advise companies to take advantage of this opportunity and support the digital nomad lifestyle.

🌐 The Impact of Remote Work on Society: A Double-Edged Sword ⚔️ The shift to remote work, accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic, has profoundly impacted society, bringing both significant benefits and notable challenges. This transformation has reshaped how we live, work, and interact, offering a unique opportunity to examine its dual nature. 🌟 The Good 🌟 Increased Flexibility and Work-Life Balance: Remote work allows employees to have greater control over their schedules, reducing the stress associated with long commutes and rigid office hours. This flexibility can lead to a better work-life balance, enabling individuals to spend more time with family, pursue hobbies, and engage in self-care. 🏡✨ Environmental Benefits: With fewer people commuting to work, there has been a noticeable decrease in traffic congestion and air pollution. The reduction in carbon emissions contributes positively to the fight against climate change and promotes a cleaner environment. 🌳🌍 Access to a Global Talent Pool: Employers are no longer restricted by geographical boundaries when hiring talent. This has led to more diverse and inclusive workplaces, where companies can tap into a broader range of skills and perspectives. 🌎🌐 Cost Savings: Both employees and employers can save money. Employees save on commuting costs, work attire, and meals, while employers can reduce expenses related to office space, utilities, and other overheads. 💸🏢 ⚠️ The Bad ⚠️ Blurring of Work-Life Boundaries: While flexibility is a benefit, it can also lead to difficulties in separating work from personal life. The expectation to be constantly available can result in burnout, stress, and a decrease in overall well-being. ⏳💼 Social Isolation: Remote work can lead to feelings of isolation and loneliness, as employees miss out on the social interactions and camaraderie that come with working in a physical office. This can negatively affect mental health and team cohesion. 🧑💻🏠 Inequities in Access: Not everyone has access to a conducive remote work environment. Factors such as reliable internet, a quiet workspace, and appropriate technology can create disparities, particularly affecting lower-income workers and those in rural areas. 🌐📶 Challenges in Collaboration and Communication: Despite advances in communication technology, remote work can still hinder spontaneous collaboration and face-to-face interactions, which are often essential for creativity and problem-solving. 💬🤝 📝 Conclusion The rise of remote work is a complex social issue with both positive and negative implications. While it offers unparalleled flexibility, environmental benefits, and access to a global talent pool, it also presents challenges such as blurred boundaries, social isolation, inequities in access, and collaboration hurdles. #RemoteWork #SocialImpact #ContentWriting #Freelancer #DigitalTransformation #WorkFromHome #Innovation #Society

Working from home has become increasingly popular, but it can also present unique challenges when it comes to productivity. In this article, we will delve into practical strategies for maximizing productivity while working from home. From optimizing your workspace to establishing a routine and utilizing helpful tools, we will explore a range of tips and techniques to help you stay focused, motivated, and efficient. Whether you’re new to remote work or looking to enhance your current approach, this article will provide valuable insights and actionable advice to help you make the most of your work-from-home experience. Understanding the Shift to Remote Work The past year has witnessed a significant rise in remote work, and it is crucial to understand the factors contributing to this shift. The convenience and flexibility offered by working from home have become appealing to both employees and employers. With advancements in technology and the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, remote work has become a norm rather than an exception. Recognizing the rise of remote work Before delving into the details, let’s acknowledge the undeniable rise of remote work. Many organizations have embraced this model to adapt to the changing times and to maintain business continuity. The switch to remote work has been supported by the availability of various digital tools and platforms that enable seamless communication and collaboration. Benefits and challenges of working from home Working from home offers several benefits for both employees and employers. Employees enjoy the flexibility of setting their own schedules, eliminating stressful commutes, and having a better work-life balance. Employers, on the other hand, can save on office space and operational costs while accessing a wider talent pool. However, there are also challenges associated with remote work. Distractions at home, lack of face-to-face interaction, and the blurring of boundaries between work and personal life are some of the challenges that individuals may face. It is essential to find ways to overcome these challenges and make the most of remote work opportunities. Balancing home life and work life One key aspect of remote work is striking a balance between home life and work life. When the boundaries between these two areas become blurred, stress can increase, and overall well-being can be compromised. It is important to establish a routine and set clear boundaries to ensure that work does not encroach upon personal time and vice versa. Family members and those sharing the same living space should also be aware of your work schedule to avoid unnecessary interruptions. Customizing Your Workspace Creating a dedicated workspace is crucial for optimizing productivity while working from home. Here, we will explore the importance of having a designated area for work and how to optimize it for maximum efficiency. The importance of a dedicated workspace Having a dedicated workspace is essential for