When future analyses closely examine the economic and business factors brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, one metric that will unquestionably stand out as one of the most prominent is remote work. How many of our roles were adapted to be carried out from our dining rooms, living rooms, or bedrooms?
Measures to mitigate the spread of the Coronavirus not only transformed most companies worldwide; they also altered our routines and quality of life across social and family spheres. However, remote work will not only have these behavioral consequences; the ability to work off-site has unlocked a previously untapped opportunity: recruiting personnel to operate anywhere in the world from any country. Differences in cost of living and labor legislation across countries have always shaped migration and the movement of vast numbers of individuals without legal employment status in search of new job opportunities and a higher quality of life.
Remote work will enable professionals to offer their talents and services to the highest bidder, regardless of their location. What consequences will these practices bring? Will executives' working conditions improve with such market openness? Will people stop taking the risk of leaving their home countries for better opportunities now that they can access them from a computer? These are all questions that will gradually find answers in the coming months.
Companies must understand these factors and incorporate them into their short- and medium-term strategies. Upskilling and professional development will be essential to remaining competitive and employable, now that candidates are no longer competing for a job solely against individuals living in their city, their country, or even their continent.
Want to learn more about Awtana? Listen to our Podcast 2020 Season featuring Omar, Dayana, and César discussing how much it costs companies to onboard foreign talent and the benefits it brings. How much does this cultural exchange drive growth for organizations? And for their employees? From everyday interactions—such as morning greetings and building rapport—to more complex aspects, like problem-solving and adopting new technologies... The benefits can be far greater than businesses currently realize.
