Is the 9-5 Business Workweek Dead?
With a pronounced shift towards remote working, the Coronavirus pandemic ushered massive changes to many companies’ models for business operations. This raises one obvious question: is the 9 to 5 workday on its way out? After all, some businesses employ a widely dispersed workforce, with some workers located in a different time zone or even a different continent.
Let’s take a closer look at a topic growing in importance for organizations in a variety of industry sectors – even before COVID-19. If the 9-5 workweek is truly obsolete, businesses need to focus on developing a staffing plan able to source the talent they need. Having a larger pool of potential candidates definitely helps.
An Increasingly Mobile Workforce
The advent of cloud-based services and mobile technology – namely smartphone and tablets – make it possible for employees to access work 24/7, no matter their location. This kind of digital transformation first began around a decade ago. Over that time, businesses reaped significant benefits through increased efficiency and productivity, as well as lower costs.
However, mobile isn’t a requirement with the cloud. Employees with desktop computers also were able to access work software over the cloud. Applications on a desktop PC still support more complex user interfaces compared to a mobile device. Does any programmer actually write code on a smartphone or tablet?
Telecommuting Begins to Grow in Popularity
With this newfound capability to work from home and stay productive, many technology workers began to desire telecommuting as a perk from their employers. In fact, in a competitive market for tech talent, remote working is seen as a differentiator between companies fighting to make a hire. It helps employees better balance their personal and professional lives. Flexible scheduling also fits into this model.
Companies with at least a partially remote workforce also enjoy a wider talent pool when hiring. After all, candidates no longer need to live in the same city as their employer. This is especially helpful with highly in-demand positions like SecOps personnel and mobile developers.
The 9-5 Workweek Fades Away
If the 9-5 workweek is currently on its way out, the shift towards flexible hours started years ago; with COVID-19 definitely hastening things. The advantages of the cloud for businesses, combined with remote working and flexible scheduling for their employees, are powering this transformation. While some tech workers still may need to work 9 to 5 in an office, the option for working remotely with a flexible schedule exists for many.
When you need help building a great tech team at your company, speak with Digital Prospectors. As one of the top IT staffing agencies in Boston, we provide great candidates able to make a difference for you. Schedule a meeting with us soon!