Many companies function as they have for centuries. Computers have simplified work and reduced workforces, but the opportunities they can offer are still underutilized. Options that make working more fun and flexible for the employee, without costing the company money. This is called HNW (The New Way of Working).
The New Way of Working
Working hours are being relaxed with The New Way of Working. Of course, there are times when all employees must be present. Meetings and work consultations are scheduled and the intention is that those involved are there, but working from nine to five is no longer a thing of the past. Why is everyone stuck in traffic jams, both on the way there and on the way back? Our younger, well-educated employees want more freedom and independence. Also when it comes to their working hours. And there is nothing wrong with that, as long as the work gets done.
The generation of young people now entering the labor market views patents differently than the older generation. They feel much more connected to the open source mentality. We all make a product together, everyone can add and improve something. This is how we create the very best product together. Power and shielding knowledge are not considered so important. What is considered important is the collaboration and the final result.
The younger employees have grown up with computers, the internet and are well versed in social media. They also want to use this in their work and use it for that. By using social media they keep in touch with their colleagues, so that they can work together and ask questions when there are doubts or uncertainty. Social media also ensures that employers do not lose their grip on employees. For more information about this, read the article: Working from home and social media.
Working in the Cloud
More and more companies are using cloud tools. This allows you as a company to set up an online personnel system. You can arrange personnel administration, planning and time registration online. Colleagues can also collaborate on documents and presentations using Google Drive, for example. There are also cloud tools for agenda management, to-do lists, keeping track of hours worked, online seminars, etc.
Disadvantages of the new way of working
- The dividing line between work and private life is becoming increasingly thinner.
- There is a chance that you will work more and more hours, because you finish something at home in the evening and do some checking.
- You should also have a space at home where you can work quietly.
- The employee does need self-discipline. You have to be able to put yourself to work. If you cannot do this, The New Way of Working is not for you. To be able to handle freedom, responsibility is a requirement.
Benefits of the new way of working
- More flexible, making it easier to combine home situation and work.
- Less paper and less office space required.
- Less absenteeism due to illness. Staff with a bad cold are now not reporting sick, but are going to work from home for a day.
- Employees often enjoy their work more.
- It reduces costs for the employer. You need fewer large office buildings. Optimum use is made of computer equipment (Bring your own device). There is less travel, so you save on travel costs and you need fewer managers.
Future
No one knows what the future will bring, but The New Way of Working can offer a solution here too. If there are too few teachers at the university, online lectures could be used. This teacher can then speak to more students and because the students can ask questions, the quality of the lesson is guaranteed. Sick people could maintain contact with their GP via telephone or computer (video chat) so that he or she does not have to go everywhere to monitor the health conditions of the patients. You could also request a consultation with a doctor for a minor inconvenience, so that you save yourself a long wait in the waiting room. There are probably many other possibilities.