As an advocate for remote working, I’ve experienced firsthand the benefits that extend far beyond the convenience of rolling out of bed, hitting the power button on my work laptop, and savoring toast and coffee during my first virtual meeting of the day. While these perks are undeniable, there’s far more to the story.
Financial Savings
Remote work isn’t just about convenience; it’s a game-changer for our wallets.
- Reduced Employee Commuting Costs: Personally, I have reduced vehicle maintenance, insurance costs, coffee-to-go and the big one – removed the cost of three to four tanks of gas per month. Imagine the collective environmental impact when millions of professionals skip the daily commute.
- Individuals Reclaim Time: The daily commute eats up valuable time. Eliminating it gives employees an extra 65 minutes per day. Beyond mere minutes, this newfound freedom allows individuals to allocate time to personal pursuits (writing a blog for instance), relaxation, or even additional work tasks. Over time, this accumulates to a significant boost in morale and overall well-being.
- Companies can Save Big: I am not going into the details here, but suffice to say companies have the capacity to save over $10,000 per employee annually.
In total, I estimate saving around $400 per month, personally. But here’s the twist: these savings don’t typically vanish into thin air. Instead, they find their way back into our home and office space. Since we rarely leave the house while working remotely, investing in home decor, ergonomic furniture and creating a conducive workspace becomes essential for maintaining our overall well-being.
The Advocacy Gap
Now, let’s address the elephant in the virtual room: Why isn’t the world advocating more for remote work? Sure, some companies have embraced it, but many still keep employees on a short leash, fearing they might be “needed” in the office. As a result, workers face challenges when trying to relocate closer to family or find affordable housing.
The Freedom to Choose
Imagine a world where the office doesn’t exist—or at least doesn’t dictate our lives. Remote work opens up possibilities. You could live anywhere, to a degree. Want to rent a place in Ecuador for a month while working? Go for it. The freedom to choose our work environment is liberating.
Reviving the Small Town
Here’s where it gets exciting and truly where I am trying to go with this post. Remote work could be a turning point for those small towns that lose their younger generations to distant cities with better-paying jobs and opportunities for a higher education. Picture this: even if just 20% of those who left their small town for higher education or big city jobs returned home in their late twenties and thirties, armed with savings, education, and secure jobs. The impact would be profound.
These returning professionals would breathe life into struggling communities. Downtown shops and restaurants would thrive. Industries would diversify. It’s a win-win for everyone involved.
This statcan article touches on the subject, but I would have to say most of the growth is in very well-to-do small towns. They don’t really need the help to begin with. The focus should be on the places where employment rates are floating around 10% or villages where just having a minimum wage job is reason to celebrate.
And if you are oddly into reading about projections and numbers – there is this article by the Ontario provincial government that says Northern Ontario is going to take 24 years (2022-’46) to add just 120,000 people. Most of which will be in the Northeast region in the largest urban centres—not in the small towns. I expect other provinces have similar studies.
Here is one more link: I chose Wawa, Ontario because their population has steadily declined since 1975. In fact, there are now only two-thirds as many people as there were back then.
Balancing the Equation
Of course, there are downsides to consider with any level of growth. Managing expectations and implementing a slow growth strategy are crucial—many small towns have had little to no growth since the 1970s. For instance, relocating even 1% of the population (approximately 130,000 people) overnight from southern Ontario to northern Ontario (with its vast expanse) would strain existing infrastructure. We must tread carefully.
In Summary
This subject led me through a labyrinth of exploration over the past couple of weeks, leaving me pondering where to even start. From environmental concerns—such as wildlife impact, housing development, and clean water issues—to the intricate world of big business, the scope is vast. But at its core, remote work isn’t merely about convenience; it’s a catalyst for reshaping our lives, revitalizing our communities, and shaping our collective future. Let’s approach it thoughtfully, one virtual meeting at a time. And stay tuned—I’ll be returning to this topic in the near future!