For years, since the pandemic happened, many employers have questioned whether working from home could match the productivity of an office setup. The answer, especially in this modern and tech-driven world, is “ yes.”
With the right tools, reliable internet, a computer and productivity-enhancing softwares, remote work can be just as effective, if not more so, than working from a physical office.
The shift to remote work became evident during the COVID-19 pandemic, when companies had to adapt or risk shutting down and laying off staff. This forced many in Kenya to embrace digital transformation almost overnight, moving operations online and enabling staff to work from home.
Now, in 2025, remote work has become the norm as it offers employees flexibility and a better work-life balance since employees can manage their personal and professional schedules better, notwithstanding commuting stress, and it also saves time.
Additionally, remote work has increased the chances of more job opportunities since the geographical barrier has been solved, allowing a person to work for more than one company worldwide. It has also helped cut costs for both employees (less spending on transport, meals, and wardrobe) and employers (reduced office space and utility expenses).
Tools like Slack, Zoom, Google Meet, ClickUp, OneDrive, and Microsoft 365 have made remote work seamless. These platforms support everything from communication and collaboration to project management and document sharing, ensuring teams stay connected and on track.
A study conducted by Stanford in 2020 of 16000 workers revealed that remote workers were approximately 5- 13% more productive than the office workers due to fewer distractions, less commuting stress, and flexible schedules.
Remote work also encourages inclusivity. It creates opportunities for marginalized groups, supports women balancing caregiving responsibilities, and benefits individuals with social anxiety or other challenges who may find traditional workplaces overwhelming.
It even reduces absenteeism as employees can handle personal matters while remaining available for work, reducing the need for full days off.
That said, companies should also take responsibility for employees’ well-being by organizing team-building activities and check-ins to avoid them feeling isolated. The companies should also emphasize cybersecurity by implementing proper employee training and securing remote access tools, as online jobs are at risk of cybercrimes such as hacking, data breaches, and unauthorized access.
Remote work isn’t just a trend, it’s a sustainable strategy. When implemented correctly, it can boost productivity, reduce costs, and offer a more inclusive and flexible work environment. For both employers and employees, the benefits of telecommuting are undeniable and essential to the future of work.
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