Question

What type(s) of work/jobs might be suitable for virtual work and what type(s) of work/jobs not suited? What are the job attributes that affect the suitability?

For jobs suitable for virtual work, what are the advantages and disadvantages
(A) to the organization and
(B) to the employee of virtual work compared to in-person/in-office work?

Choose an example of a specific job/position that has shifted from in-person/in-office work to virtual work. What changes to the job design and job processes were necessary for the change?

Answer 1

Virtual work suits jobs that don't require physical interaction, while those requiring a physical presence aren't well-suited. Organizations can save on costs and have broader talent access, while employees can enjoy flexibility, though they might face isolation and work-life balance challenges. Changes in job design for remote work include incorporating collaboration tools and new performance monitoring methods.

Step-by-step explanation:

Jobs Suited and Not Suited for Virtual Work

Virtual work is well-suited for jobs that primarily involve digital tasks, such as programming, graphic design, digital marketing, writing, and customer service via email or chat. These positions generally require access to a computer and the internet, and can often be completed without direct, physical interaction with clients or coworkers. On the contrary, jobs not suited for virtual work typically involve hands-on activities, physical presence, or usage of location-specific equipment, like manufacturing, healthcare provision, and jobs requiring physical interactions like chefs, or construction workers.

Attributes Affecting Suitability
The suitability of a job for virtual work depends on its requirement for physical presence, collaborative efforts, and the need for tangible interaction with the job's outputs or equipment.

Advantages and Disadvantages to the Organization and Employee

Advantages to the organization include reduced overhead costs, access to a wider talent pool, and potentially increased productivity.

Disadvantages to the organization involve challenges in team cohesion, communication barriers, and difficulties in monitoring performance.

Advantages to the employee encompass flexible working hours, elimination of commute time, and better work-life balance.

Disadvantages to the employee include potential isolation, overworking, and struggles in separating work from personal life.

Example of Shift to Virtual Work
An example of a job that has shifted from in-person to virtual work is a software developer. The change in job design necessary to accommodate this shift included the implementation of remote collaboration tools like version control systems and virtual meeting software, as well as adjustments to the monitoring of work output and performance.