The COVID-19 pandemic has forced many companies to adapt to remote work, and for some, like me, it has been a revelation.
The idea that we should all be striving for everyone to be back in the office full-time is not only outdated, but it’s also detrimental to the relationships between both employees and employers.
One of the key benefits of remote work is the ability for employees to have more flexibility in their schedules. This is particularly important for parents who have been juggling childcare responsibilities during the pandemic and since. With remote work, parents can better manage their time and be more present for their children while still being able to get their work done. Additionally, remote work allows employees to create a work environment that is conducive to their productivity, whether that be working from a home office or a quiet coffee shop.
Another benefit of remote work is the ability for employees to take better care of their overall health. Commuting to and from the office can be a significant source of stress, particularly in congested urban areas. With remote work, employees can avoid the daily commute and instead focus on activities that promote physical and mental well-being, such as exercise or meditation.
Finally, remote work can be beneficial for employers as well. With remote workers, companies can tap into a wider pool of talent and save on office expenses. Furthermore, research has shown that remote workers are often more productive than their in-office counterparts.
I can understand some concerns from employers that if employees aren’t in the office, how will you know that they’re being productive, or that the work is being done? The answer is pretty simple – implement the latest technology, standards, and expectations in time tracking. You’ll know if deadlines are missed, or in danger of being missed. At Ace Studios, we use Asana to stay on top of work and Slack to remain in communication with the team. We also have daily morning briefings with team members on Zoom to make sure things are going smoothly and to offer support where needed.
You can even experiment with making your office run on a hybrid structure, as many of our employees *want* to come into the office for those social interactions, they just want to do it under a flexible work schedule. Under this model, we’ve seen our employees be much happier and appreciative of this benefit that, if anything, they work harder than they would if we forced them to be at their desks for the sake of saving face.
In conclusion, the COVID-19 pandemic has taught us that offering workplace flexibility is good for employees and employers alike. Remote and hybrid work environments have proven to be viable options for many companies and have allowed employees to have more flexibility, take better care of their health, and be more productive. It’s time for companies to embrace remote work as a permanent option for their employees, rather than striving for everyone to be back in the office full-time.
RENO, NV, October 12, 2022 — Nevada Assemblyman Steve Yeager announced on Twitter that he has appointed former Washoe County School Board Trustee Kurt Thigpen to the Nevada State Public Charter School Authority effective immediately.
“I’m honored to announce that I have appointed Kurt Thigpen to the Nevada State Public School Charter Authority,” said Yeager. “His term will run through June 30, 2025. I know he will do a great job and I appreciate his willingness to serve. More about the Authority here: https://charterschools.nv.gov.”
The Nevada State Public Charter School Authority authorizes public charter schools across Nevada and is responsible for the oversight and monitoring of those schools, overseeing over 70 public charter schools that serve 55,000 students statewide.
“I’m looking forward to bringing a fresh perspective to the authority, looking at things through an equity lens, and working hard again for Nevada’s students and educators,” said Kurt Thigpen on the news.
RENO, NV, July 1, 2022 — District 14 of the American Advertising Federation (AAF) today announced that Kurt Thigpen, Chief Executive Officer at Reno-based Ace Studios will serve as the Governor of AAF District 14 for the 2022-2023 term. Annie Switzer of Reno print company Dynagraphics will serve alongside Thigpen as the Lt. Governor during the new term.
Thigpen commented, “I am excited about working with our local club leaders here in northern Nevada and northern California to help increase membership engagement, foster community growth, opportunities for students, and help recognize professional excellence within our region. My 6 years of leadership within AAF have prepared me for this very moment and I won’t let our thousands of members in District 14 down!”
Thigpen is a former president of the American Advertising Federation of Reno (AAF Reno) having been the first openly gay president at the time, and bringing a focus on community building and diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives in advertising.
AAF District 14 guides and oversees the Federation’s club chapters in both northern Nevada and northern California, including the cities of Reno, Sacramento, San Francisco, Fresno, and Silicon Valley —all adding to the Federation’s 50,000 professional members nationwide, 5,000 student members and nearly 100 corporate members spanning media companies, advertisers and agencies.
For more information about AAF District 14 and how you can get involved locally, visit their website.