According to Deloitte, as of 2023, 80% of organisations globally allow some level of remote work. Of this percentage, 27% allow for fully remote work, and 53% follow a hybrid model. That means two out of every 10 businesses still insist on full days spent in the confines of the office.
The marketing agency at which my husband works is one of them. It’s run by two ultra-creative yet headstrong Boomers who consistently resist the idea of remote or even hybrid work for their employees.
Even my husband, an adaptable Xennial, has opinions, often stating that not everyone is ‘cut out’ for a work-from-home gig.
He argues that what about the ‘lazy’ workers who barely tick the boxes when they’re at the office? Surely, they’ll be napping half the day away if allowed to work from home (or on an island, in the bush, or anywhere else their heart desires)?
He is completely blown away by Big Ambitions being 100% remote, with an ever-growing team and seamless operations (we love proving Elon Musk wrong!).
Everybody does what’s expected, collaboration is harmonious, and I can’t think of when anyone missed a deadline. In fact, rather than doing the bare minimum, I often see colleagues online working well outside traditional ‘working hours’.
But what makes a ‘good’ remote worker (i.e., someone who meets deadlines, demonstrates self-motivation, and communicates effectively)? And how has Big Ambitions managed to find so many of them?
Are we simply excellent at ‘reading’ people and picking out productive talent from the otherwise ‘lazy’, ‘uninspired’ masses? Are our systems and processes insanely streamlined and effective?
While I think the answer to both questions is ‘yes’, I believe the real reason why Big Ambitions and many other fully remote companies thrive is due to the nature of a work-from-home job.
Nobody is breathing down your neck all the livelong day. You’re not confined to the same four walls day in and day out. You’re free to capitalise on your most productive times. Most importantly, it’s endlessly easier to strike that ever-elusive work-life balance.
The freedom that comes with remote work is enough to motivate even the biggest so-called ‘chancers’ out there!
The research backs me up, too.
Prodoscore analysed data from 30,000 users and found a 5% increase in productivity during the COVID work-from-home period. Owl Labs discovered that remote and hybrid employees were 22% happier, more focused, and less stressed than onsite workers.
Additionally, a study by Ergotron revealed that employees experienced mental health improvements, better work-life balance, increased physical activity, and higher job satisfaction in hybrid and remote work environments.
These findings highlight the positive impact of flexible work arrangements on employee well-being and productivity. So, nope. There isn’t a mysterious personality trait that makes a ‘good’ remote worker. People are simply at their most productive when they’re comfortable and feel trusted and valued for what they do.
As the saying goes – happy employees are productive employees. But more than that. They’re innovators, collaborators, trailblazers, and changemakers.
Ultimately, remote work is here to stay. It’s time we all embrace it and adapt accordingly. After all, the benefits for employees and businesses alike are as endless as our collective (Big) ambitions!
Mindful Musings
Marketing Musings
Authenticity. Your Game-Changer in Captivating Gen Z
by Teresa Richardson
Attention all marketeers. Are you ready to embark on a journey that will transform your approach to Gen Z marketing? Picture this: a future where you effortlessly connect with this influential generation, leaving a trail of genuine and lasting relationships. It’s not just wishful thinking – it’s within your grasp!
- Share Authentic Travel Experiences: Imagine the power of raw and unfiltered travel stories brought to life by the very people who embark on these adventures. Gen Z craves authenticity, and with their hearts in the right place, they’ll be drawn to your brand like bees to honey. So, let’s embrace those real moments, those unedited smiles, and showcase the magic of our travel experiences.
- Collaborate with Local Communities: Get ready for an absolute game-changer. By partnering with local communities, you’ll unlock a treasure trove of unique cultural experiences that will captivate our Gen Z wanderers. It’s more than just enriching their travels – it’s about showing genuine support for traditions and languages—empathy for the win.
- Launch a Responsible Tourism Campaign: Let’s make a real impact and be the change we wish to see. Our environmentally conscious Gen Z friends are hungry for meaningful experiences that align with their values. So, let’s organise those volunteer trips where they can actively participate in preserving our planet’s beauty. This is how we make waves and inspire others to follow suit.
- Educate Readers about Cultural Sensitivity: Get ready to shine as a beacon of knowledge. Empower your readers with engaging articles and infographics, guiding them towards cultural sensitivity and mindful tourism. It’s not just about travel; it’s about fostering a deep appreciation for the places they visit and the people they meet. Lead the way with empathy.
- Champion Social Causes: Let’s be a force for positive change! Gen Z is passionate about social causes, and we can be their greatest allies. By standing up for what they believe in, whether it’s environmental preservation, diversity, or social justice, we’ll forge an unbreakable bond. Together, we’ll make the world a better place.
So, marketers, this is your moment to shine. Embrace authenticity as your strategic advantage and captivate the hearts of Gen Z. Be confident in your approach and watch as your genuine connections lead to unmatched loyalty and success. Are you ready to inspire, motivate, and make a lasting impact? The answer is a resounding YES! Let’s make this journey unforgettable and create a marketing future filled with empathy-driven leadership. The world is waiting for you to lead the way.
Team Musings
Unleashing Your Dream Team: 5 Vital Roles for Success
by Teresa Richardson
In the words of basketball legend Michael Jordan, “Talent wins games, but teamwork and intelligence win championships.” Crafting your dream team involves more than hard skills – it’s about harmonising personalities and thinking styles. To build an effective team, embrace the power of complimentary DISC personality styles and strategic thinking.
1. The Influential Theorist: Creative and full of ideas, they’re your go-to for innovative solutions and multiple perspectives. Their positive and encouraging nature makes them trusted influencers within the team, offering brilliant ideas for company culture and team building.
2. The Stable Executor: Task-oriented and dependable, they thrive with clear objectives and guidelines. As loyal worker bees, they add steadiness to the team. Depend on them to deliver on time and foster a friendly and collaborative work environment.
3. The Conscientious Analyser: Details are their forte, and they strive for perfection. As experts in data exploration, they ensure top-notch project results. Though reserved, their confidence in presenting their expertise is undeniable. Keep them focused on the big picture to avoid delays.
4. The Balancing Manager: Rare and adept at balancing progress and the status quo. Managers excel in supervising and guiding the team towards the set goal. Their versatile abilities enable them to transition between distinct roles, aligning well with other personality styles.
5. The Directing Strategist: Fearless leaders who thrive under pressure. Strategists see challenges as opportunities for growth. They easily tackle obstacles with logic-driven decisions, making them invaluable assets to any team.
Having a team with diverse personality types and thinking styles is the secret sauce to achieving extraordinary success. Each member brings a unique perspective, fostering creativity, innovation, and adaptability. Collaboration between the Influential Theorists, Stable Executors, Conscientious Analysers, Balancing Managers, and Directing Strategists creates a dynamic synergy that propels your entire organisation forward.
What the world was musing over this past week
SA named the best country in the world to visit
It’s official – there’s no greater place to visit than South Africa (and no greater city than Cape Town). That’s according to over 30,000 readers of The Telegraph. New Zealand snagged second place, and the Maldives came in third.
Travelling teddy, Mini Tyson, reunited with owner
Mini Tyson, the photogenic stand-in for camera-shy adventurer Mr Tyson, has been on many hikes and holidays with his owner. Mr Tyson was heartbroken when he realised he’d left Mini behind in the Scottish Highlands. Thankfully, after reaching out on social media, the well-travelled teddy was retrieved by a hiker, and the duo are set to be reunited soon!
Airlink debuts new black e-jet
Celebrating its recently launched Skybucks customer loyalty programme (where the pinnacle tier is black), Airlink has debuted its brand-new Embraer E195 jetliner, sporting an ultra-sleek black paint job.
