What Does Remote First Mean?

We spoke to Arran Stewart, co-founder of the US remote-first recruitment platform Job.com, about the future of remote working and what companies who go 'remote first' need to consider.

What Does a Remote First Working Policy Need to Cover?

Remote working policies must first establish who is eligible to work remotely, based on individual company needs and capabilities. Considerations on a remote policy should include data privacy, how equipment will be provided, the tone for communication channels, predetermined performance metrics and legal compliance. A business as a whole should not be impacted, but it may be necessary to reconsider workplace attendance strategies for all employees.

Where Are the Main Challenges?

The main challenge is adequately maintaining communication and engagement with new hires to ensure that they feel adequately enmeshed into the organisation. Determining the level of productivity and maintaining that, creating a daily structure and sense of shared purpose and motivation, immersion into the corporate culture - these are all barriers that can be overcome, but are clearly present at the start of any worker’s remote tenure.

Will the Recent Normalisation of Remote Working Change the Kind of HR Roles We See Appearing?

HR roles will likely remain unchanged except for more specificity and focus on remote work. Introducing all HR members to the new policies needed to manage a remote labour force, and the unique challenges and benefits therein, will likely be enough.

What Will the Impact Be on Office Real Estate and City Centres?

Focusing on the social and environmental impacts and potential for growth, change and innovation in big metropolises will be key to reinvigorating the economies there. Reduced commuter pollution, traffic emissions, repurposing of commercial buildings and more opportunities for community investment mean that there is definitely something to be gained as well.