In construction, remote working has been discussed more frequently in the last few years. Not many people have taken it seriously, though. I think this is because our work is built and completed on site and in the field. We still need people to swing hammers, turn wrenches, pour concrete and run equipment. We also need field leaders to work with and manage the work of craft pros. Our industry mindset is starting to change a bit with the various Coronavirus based restrictions that have been implemented in different cities and states around the United States. To survive and keep the supply chain rolling while we ride out the viral storm, some construction pros are starting to work remotely and/or at home. I am a big fan of this. It is not a bad thing to do right now but it will give workers and leaders experience with a work model that most are unsure of.
The biggest complaint or concern about remote work is lack of direct team interaction. I don't buy it. Even when we are in the office, we often have other team members in other locations and nearly all of the rest of our supply chain is in different offices, cities, states and, even, countries. I've worked remotely intermittently throughout my career. Whether on vacation or taking care of a sick kid, I still got things done and only my boss knew about it. I worked exclusively online and in a remote environment for my MS and PhD. It was challenging but it worked out. In many cases, working remotely forces everyone to step up their game and take more accountability for their job. Team members can't rely on face to face interaction so no details can be missed. Plans and deliverables must be crystal clear because there is no room for vagueness in remote work environments. This just makes everyone do their job better.
On a personal level, I like remote work because I can be super efficient at home. I also reduce dead time spent on commuting. This extra time is super valuable to me. It gives me more time to work, spend time with family or (ear muffs) get the right amount of sleep. Less time commuting has been scientifically proven to reduce stress while improving the health of commuters, reduce transportation costs, cut back on vehicular wear and tear and minimize greenhouse gas emissions. Also, in a viral crisis like it seems we are in now, remote work reduces exposure and spread potential. I'm not a big city resident (don't commute via crowded walks and subway rides) but I can only imagine how many people pass within the 6' social distancing window while walking on a crowded street or riding in a packed subway car.
Businesses can save money through remote work options as a result of reduced vehicular wear and fueling costs, as well as, a reduced need for permanent offices and office space. Offices could be reduced to a reception area, some conference room and training areas, and a cubicle desk area for employees that need to work in the office for a day or two here and there.
We don't have a large number of construction pros who work remotely right now but we might get a trial period as a result of the Coronavirus. I think remote workers and industry leadership will be pleasantly surprised how much can be done by competent people who aren't working in the office. After the virus passes and the remote work trial period ends, I think the work environment and structure might change a bit to accommodate more remote work.
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