THE REMOTE WORK REVOLUTION: EMBRACING FLEXIBILITY AND PRODUCTIVITY

By Lumka Oliphant 

• Remote work is rapidly becoming the norm, with research showing that employees are more productive and satisfied when given the freedom to work from anywhere.
• Companies must adapt to remote work demands by fostering inclusive virtual environments, allowing flexible schedules, and eliminating outdated office mandates.
• Remote work reduces overhead costs, reshapes real estate markets, and strengthens family roles, creating a more balanced and sustainable future for employees and organisations alike.

“The future of work is remote,” Gavin Tay told delegates at the Gartner CIO and IT Executive Conference currently taking place in Dubai.

Tay, who is Gartner’s Fellow and Vice President in Singapore, emphasised the need for organisations to adopt radical flexibility. “Workers want freedom, and they can work anywhere in the world as long as they deliver,” he said.

He explained that research has shown people go to work primarily for socialisation, not for the actual work, and are more productive when working from home. “People should have the freedom to choose what they love to do and where they do it,” said Tay.

Tay described the practice of forcing employees to return to the office as “old-fashioned” and short-sighted. He argued that giving workers the choice and freedom to work remotely encourages loyalty, with employees staying longer with companies that embrace this flexibility. “People want to balance work and play,” he added.

Tay also pointed out that remote work is reshaping societal roles and strengthening families. “Men are beginning to see that their purpose isn’t solely to go to work but also to be present for their families. Remote work allows individuals to fulfil different roles,” he said.

While remote work is undoubtedly the future, Tay cautioned that organisations need to adapt their cultures to meet the demands of this new way of working. “We must break down virtual barriers. People should come to virtual meetings as their authentic selves,” he said.

He advocated for greater flexibility in virtual interactions, suggesting that organisations allow employees to engage more freely rather than confining them with rigid virtual meeting rules. “Encourage no-meeting days to create a healthy work environment, especially as many people will be working across different time zones,” he continued, citing his own experience of working in Singapore while reporting to a manager in Germany.

Tay highlighted the financial benefits of remote work, noting that companies are cutting office space by half, leading to significant cost savings. “Most offices are rented, and organisations can save by allowing employees to work from home,” he said.

He also discussed the implications for real estate, noting a shift in some cities. “What happens to real estate when we need fewer offices? In places like New York, we are seeing more office spaces being converted into apartments,” he explained.

Tay concluded by stating, “People don’t need to be in the office to do real work. What they need are the right systems, the desire to solve problems, and to be measured by their KPIs or deliverables.”