Taking Flexibility Up A Level – Becoming Road-Active

The appetite for remote working is growing, and now, there are expected to be 105 million remote workers by 2020 according to IDC. That’s 75% of the total US workforce, for a bit of perspective.

For HR departments, workers who are able and willing to work away from an office environment spells savings into the thousands. Having the ability to work flexibly often spells homeworking. However, there is another, and perhaps even more preferable way to operate as a remote worker.

Being able to work while on the road, in between and at corporate sites, provides an extra dimension to your skill set that can attract the attention of HR recruiters.

Fundamentals of road working

If you plan to be taking a significant portion of work from your vehicle, there are a few considerations that need to be taken.

First off, be aware of road laws.

According to the GHSA, 47 states ban road texting and 16 more ban all cell phone use at all – so you won’t be able to hold conversations whilst driving. Your insurance may also be impacted by work-driving, as you may require bespoke business arrangements for the cover of your work items, such as laptops.

The best way to address any possible issues you’ll have with your actual vehicle and the driving process is to look at what states you’ll be based in and get yourself covered accordingly.

Providing quality for your employer or clients

Once on the road you’ll have eschewed many of the regular benefits – and trappings – of homelife.

One of the issues will be the amenities normally afforded to you. For instance, consider your access to the internet, a crucial aspect of working in a mobile fashion.

According to World WiFi Day, there are nearly 400m hotspots globally. However, these can’t always be relied on and restrict your ability to teleconference on the road. It’s worthwhile investing in an extended data plan and using your phone’s data plan. This will allow you to be constantly accessible and provide versatility as to where and when you do your work. 

Using your flexibility to network

One of the downsides of stationary, office-based working is the effect of being tied to a location. You may have the opportunity to fly out for the big corporate conferences or training events, but generally, every cost needs to be justified given the money spent on accommodation. For HR professionals, or those seeking to get on in their company, it is crucial to network.

Being a mobile worker allows you to plan ahead to be able to attend as many corporate events as you see fit to make.

The short-term benefits are pronounced, with HR professionals reporting improved productivity and fostered trust with your colleagues. Long term, it leads to better joined-up-working in the company and future prospects for yourself.

Mobile working will become more common than the converse by 2020. Taking flexible working to the next level is on-the-road working. There are technical obstacles to becoming a great mobile worker, but the benefits can far outweigh the costs for those willing nomads.

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