Ranks of Virtual Workers Expected to Rise
WorldatWork
Ranks of Virtual Workers Expected to Rise
Oct. 26, 2010 — The number of people working virtually is expected to rise during the next 12 months, according to a new online poll by
Right Management.
330 U.S. employers answered what change they anticipate in the number of virtual workers in their organization. The survey found that three out of four organizations already have people who work remotely and, of those employers, nearly half expect their number to increase or significantly increase during the year ahead.
Change in virtual workers anticipated:
- Significant increase: 18%
- Increase: 27%
- Stay about the same: 25%
- Decrease: 7%
- We don't have virtual workers: 24%
"It is no surprise that the number of virtual employees will continue to increase given the widespread nature of this trend, the cost pressures organizations face, increased sophistication of technology and the growing number of employees who have come to expect this kind of flexible work arrangement," said Michael Haid, Senior Vice President of Global Solutions for Right Management. "But the very rapid rise in their numbers suggested by the survey means companies may be challenged if they don't have the right people in these roles." Haid cautioned that virtual isn't a good fit for everyone and management needs to take that into account. "In order to be effective, virtual employees need to have certain traits... adaptability, autonomy, decisiveness, dependability, tolerance for stress and resourcefulness." As beneficial as the trend may be, it is not without downside risks, added Haid. "Working virtually may indeed help sustain a healthy work-life balance, but it may just as easily upset the equilibrium," said Haid. "The same technology that serves as an enabler can also act as a collar, creating a 24/7 culture that harms engagement and job satisfaction. Employers must establish boundaries, regularly check in with workers and watch out for burnout." The poll was conducted in September 2010 and has a margin of error of +/-6 and a 95% confidence rating. Related Resources:
Implications of Employer-Supplied Connectivity Devices (2009 Research Report)
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http://dreamlearndobecome.blogspot.com This posting was made my Jim Jacobs, President & CEO of Jacobs Executive Advisors. Jim also serves as Leader of Jacobs Advisors' Insurance Practice.
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