The remote-working revolution: how to get it right

Summary

The video explores the lasting impact of remote work post-pandemic, with a focus on policy and employer challenges. Donna Sarkar's move to Barbados on a remote work visa exemplifies the trend. Legal issues like immigration, tax liabilities, and employment laws are discussed. The video highlights the importance of a supportive work environment, with Finland's successful remote work culture as a model. It also touches on the potential for legislation to address work-from-home challenges and the market's role in determining remote work compensation.

Takeaways

• 🏡 The shift to remote work is likely to continue post-pandemic, with many employees preferring to work from home at least one day a week.
• 🌐 International remote work poses challenges like visa and immigration issues, as well as potential changes to employee benefits and company tax liabilities.
• 💼 Employers have a duty of care to provide a safe and suitable work environment, which now extends to employees' homes.
• 👥 The experience of remote work can be deeply unequal, with factors like home environment and career stage affecting productivity and career development.
• 🌐 Remote work can blur the lines between work and personal life, raising concerns about privacy and work-life balance.
• 🇫🇮 Finland is highlighted as a leader in remote work, with a supportive culture, infrastructure, and legislation that facilitates effective remote working.
• 💼 Companies are considering changes to office spaces and are grappling with how to maintain employee well-being and productivity in a remote work context.
• 💼 The pandemic has accelerated the need for governments and organizations to develop policies and laws around remote work.
• 💼 There is a debate over whether remote workers should face salary adjustments, with some companies proposing pay cuts and others suggesting increased compensation.
• 💼 The future of work is likely to involve a hybrid model, with ongoing discussions needed between employers and employees to define working arrangements.

Q & A

What is the current trend in working from home post-pandemic?

Despite the easing of pandemic restrictions, many office employees prefer to continue working from home at least one day a week, indicating that remote work is likely here to stay.

Why did Donna Sarkar decide to work from Barbados?

Donna Sarkar, a software engineer for Microsoft, moved to Barbados after learning about their one-year remote work visa for foreigners. The visa allowed her to work remotely while paying income tax in America.

What are some potential legal issues employers face with employees working remotely from different locations?

Employers may face immigration or visa issues, potential voiding of employee benefits, and tax liabilities in foreign countries where employees work remotely.

How can working from home affect an employee's benefits like private medical insurance?

Working abroad might void certain benefits that employees have due to their employment, such as private medical insurance, depending on the terms and location.

What is the current debate over state taxes for remote workers in the northeastern United States?

There is a legal battle over whether states like Massachusetts should tax people who officially work there but are currently working remotely from outside the state.

What is the employer's duty of care regarding a safe work environment when employees work from home?

Employers have a duty of care to provide a safe work environment, which includes ensuring that home workplaces are safe and adequately equipped for employees' well-being.

How does the experience of working from home differ between senior and junior employees?

Senior employees like Sarah, who have established networks, may find remote work beneficial, while junior employees like Luke might struggle with building networks and find it challenging to advance their careers without in-person interaction.

What role does Finland's culture of trust play in remote working?

Finland's culture of trust, supported by legislation and digitalization, has contributed to a high satisfaction rate among remote workers, with many feeling productive and able to balance work and personal life.

What challenges do governments face in updating laws to accommodate remote work?

Updating laws to accommodate remote work is challenging due to the complexity of considering factors like work-from-home equipment provisions, expense claims, and the division between work and home life.

Why might some companies consider getting rid of the office post-pandemic?

Some companies are planning to review or even eliminate their office spaces to save on costs, as remote work has proven feasible and in some cases, more productive for employees.

What proposal has been made by Deutsche Bank regarding remote work taxation?

Deutsche Bank proposed that remote workers should be taxed an additional five percent to compensate those who cannot work from home, with the tax being paid by the employer if a permanent desk is provided, or by the employee if they choose to work from home.