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Making the most of the UAE workplace revolution

The COVID-19 pandemic should be utilised as a vehicle to improve, transform and update the corporate culture across the UAE.
Social distancing, confinement and extensive lockdown measures have led to millions of employees working remotely, whether fully or combining work at the office and from home.
For a long time now, I've said that due to major developments and advances in technology, coupled with shifts in culture and society, working remotely is the future.
However, I didn't forecast how much the pace of this trend would speed up due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Working remotely has since become a phenomenon across the globe, as we saw the normal rules and practices for business turned on their head in Q1.
As such, as the world becomes ever more globalised and digitalised, working remotely is the way forward for several reasons, particularly in regard to the benefits to employees and businesses.
Indeed, the flexibility that working remotely brings usually results in employees being healthier, both physically and emotionally.
According to recent findings from collaborative work management platform, Wrike: "Giving employees the ability to have a little more control over their day, whether that be through the option to work from home, flex schedules, or unlimited PTO, helps them strike life-work harmony, which will ultimately improve their happiness and boost their productivity. It is a win-win for employees and employers, and companies that do not embrace this shift toward creative schedule solutions are likely to miss out on top talent and revenue."
Research has shown that when they have more time on their hands, employees are more likely to prioritise keeping fit and healthy. In addition, evidence also reveals that flexibility leads to a higher degree of happiness, productivity and inspiration among workers.
There are also substantial advantages of remote working for employers.
By allowing members of staff to have greater flexibility and independence over their working lives, the retention rate of employees will likely increase.
Furthermore, good health and wellbeing among a workforce has been proven to be directly linked to productivity and less absenteeism.
Employers will also be able to access a broader recruitment pool as talented employees can live anywhere in the world and work remotely.
Another key advantage is the undoubted reduction in business operating expenses such as office rental contracts.
Subsequently, by firms increasing efficiency and being in a better financial position to invest and grow, the workforce is more likely to be happier, more motivated and healthier.
The coronavirus pandemic has forced companies around the world into remote working, but the move must be viewed as a huge opportunity for both employees and employers, and we must all make the most of the benefits of this workplace revolution.
Nigel Green is the CEO and founder of deVere Group. Views expressed are his own and do not reflect the newspaper's policy.