Anywhere Operations, Mobile Employees & The Future of Work
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Last week, Airbnb CEO Brian Chesky launched a new working model wherein staff could work anywhere they choose, stating:
"I’ve always believed that you design the culture you want, or it will be designed for you. I’m excited about this new design and giving you the flexibility to live and work anywhere. I think it will unlock some amazing creativity and innovation—and make working here really fun."
Airbnb's announcement highlights the growing popularity of Work Anywhere Operations. This model has been described by?Gartner? as “an IT-based organizational model that supports customer service, worker motivation, and deployment of products/services from anywhere, regardless of physical location”. Put simply, the “work anywhere” model empowers employees to perform their job from any location with an internet connection.?
The Rise of Anywhere Operations???
?In 2020, workspaces across Ireland shut their doors in compliance with social distancing rules and employees were encouraged to work from home. During this time, some workers took advantage of the introduction of remote work policies and travelled back to their home countries. For this group, “anywhere operations” allowed them to enjoy a lower cost of living abroad while still enjoying the comparatively high salaries that Ireland offers. Once global travel restrictions further ease up, it is likely that more employees will follow suit and swap their home offices for sunnier, cheaper destinations abroad.?
?In fact, many holiday websites (such as Airbnb) responded to this demand by promoting accommodation with dedicated workspaces. What’s more, a number of governments are currently revising their visa requirements to attract travelling professionals and remote workers including Croatia, Dubai, Thailand and more.
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Top Benefits of Anywhere Operations
For Employees ??♀?
The “Work from Anywhere” model empowers employees by allowing them to choose the working environment that is best suited to them. This gives employees greater freedom,?flexibility ?and control over their working lives. As such, they are more likely to enjoy higher job satisfaction and a better quality of life.?
For Employers???????
Happy employees make for happy employers. Numerous studies have shown that improved job satisfaction and engagement among employees is linked to higher productivity and reduced attrition.?
Another major benefit of the “Anywhere Operations” model is that it significantly expands the available talent pool for organisations. No longer confined by geographical considerations, organisations can now look beyond their direct locality when sourcing top talent. This is a particularly pertinent point for companies contending with skills shortages in their sector.??
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For Society???
Organisations that implement “Anywhere Operations” can have a positive impact on communities around the world. The freedom to work anywhere has allowed many professionals to move back to their hometowns. Not only does this mean greater contributions to the local economy, but it also presents an opportunity to undo the brain drain that can be so prevalent in emerging markets, small towns, and rural locations.