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In this new age of technology, workplace norms and workplace culture are rapidly changing. Previously, employees were generally expected to commute to a physical office and complete their work in company provided workspaces. Today, with mobile devices such as smart phones, tablets, and laptops commonplace, many companies are moving towards more flexible work arrangements, with work hours and work locations no longer being fixed. While many welcome such changes, others are not yet convinced. Emmanuel Corley, head of operations at Think-Tech Inc., a global corporation, manages a workforce of fifty-two employees. Having held this position for over fifteen years, Corley takes pride in maintaining a productive and enjoyable work environment. He values teamwork and believes that a productive workplace is best achieved when co-workers are friends. Consequently, Corley views the growing ’work from anywhere’ trend with trepidation. Not only is it more difficult to supervise workers who are not physically present, but with an entire workforce working from home or some other remote location, there is little opportunity for getting to know one’s co-workers. Corley worries that, while the flexibility of working from anywhere may initially appeal to some, eventually employees will feel isolated and lose their sense of commitment. However, for Daniel Sage, a computer programmer, mobile working has had an enormous impact on his ability to maintain a healthy work/life balance. A single father, Sage used to miss countless days of work when his children were home sick, this affected not only his productivity, but also how co-workers and managers perceived his commitment to the company. According to Sage, the stress of trying to keep up with home and work commitments was taking its toll on his health. Having spent the past two years working from home, Sage is emphatic that flexible work arrangements are the way of the future. Although he admits to occasionally missing the camaraderie of his colleagues, the benefits of being able to work when and where he wants far outweigh any drawbacks. Anita Buffill, CEO of Global-Solutions, acknowledges the concerns of Corley, however, she believes that a mobile workforce can be a win-win situation. Not only do employees appreciate the flexibility and control afforded to them, but companies benefit from lower infrastructure costs. If one’s entire workforce works from home, the costs involved in maintaining an office space disappear. Although Buffill admits that switching to mobile work arrangements can pose certain challenges when it comes to employee supervision, she believes that this can be countered by a shift in thinking. At Global-Solutions, employee performance is determined solely by the tangible results they achieve, not the time spent in achieving them.
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