Remote work trends

Once considered a temporary solution during the Covid-19 pandemic, remote work has now become a serious and long-term option for many businesses.

However, when applied to highly specialized industries, this model does not always deliver the expected results. The actual implementation by both businesses and employees reveals a multifaceted picture with many notable advantages, but also many challenges that need to be overcome.

The work environment is flexible, but not easy.

For industries that primarily utilize digital technology , remote work offers significant advantages. Hoang Quang Than, a resident of Masteri West Heights apartment complex in Vinhomes Smart City (Tay Mo ward, Nam Tu Liem district, Hanoi), with over 7 years of experience in information technology, shared: “Working from home saves me commuting time and opens up opportunities for collaboration with many international companies. This allows me to not only improve my professional skills but also gain exposure to diverse cultures and work styles around the world.”

Given the specific nature of its industry, Ocean Group International Joint Stock Company still prioritizes the in-office work model.

Workplace flexibility also allows employees to proactively take on more projects, increase their income, and expand their professional network. For many, this model is also an opportunity to find a balance between work and life. Having experienced both work models, Vu Duc Cuong, a software engineer living in FLC Landmark Tower (My Dinh 2 Ward, Nam Tu Liem District, Hanoi ), chose a hybrid solution of working in the office and working remotely. According to Cuong, this combination not only maintains work efficiency but also helps stay connected with the team, avoiding the feeling of isolation often experienced when working entirely through a screen.

However, not all fields are suitable for the remote working model. At Ocean Group International Joint Stock Company, an event organizing company, this model was once tested but quickly discontinued. CEO, Mr. Ho Tuan Anh, stated: "The nature of our work requires close coordination, flexible management, and on-site problem-solving. These elements are difficult to implement effectively when staff are scattered and not physically present together."

Although it was tested in some areas such as design or content creation, the results were not as expected. Coordination between departments became disjointed, affecting overall progress. According to Mr. Ho Tuan Anh, working in the office not only helps to easily monitor labor efficiency but also motivates employees and reduces distractions.

In reality, remote work requires employees to have time management skills, a high sense of responsibility, and proactiveness. Without effective work organization, employees can easily fall into a situation where their work is scattered and they fail to meet deadlines. Hoang Quang Than admitted: “I used to have to work late into the night because I couldn't concentrate enough during the day. Besides, remote project work also requires employees to constantly adapt to new work environments, continuously adjusting contracts, compensation, and schedules.”

The law is "open," but clear agreements are needed.

From a legal perspective, lawyer Duong Quang Dung (The Light Law Firm) affirmed: “The current Labor Code has basically provided complete regulations and ensured the rights of employees by allowing them and employers to freely agree on the location, time, and working conditions. However, the problem is that the law lacks detailed regulations to address issues arising during remote work, so resolving related disputes is very limited.”

One of the legal challenges facing businesses is information security. “Working remotely via personal devices and public internet connections makes it difficult for businesses to effectively control internal information. Information, business secrets, and technology are easily leaked, whether due to carelessness or intentional actions by employees using insecure applications. Therefore, to handle remote violations, from monitoring to disciplinary action, businesses need to establish internal regulations applicable to the entire company, avoiding individual negotiations within each contract to ensure transparency and consistency,” lawyer Duong Quang Dung emphasized.

For industries that primarily utilize digital technology, remote work offers significant advantages. Hoang Quang Than, a resident of Masteri West Heights apartment complex in Vinhomes Smart City (Tay Mo ward, Nam Tu Liem district, Hanoi), with over 7 years of experience in information technology, shared: “Working from home saves me commuting time and opens up opportunities for collaboration with many international companies. This allows me to not only improve my professional skills but also gain exposure to diverse cultures and work styles around the world .”

Workplace flexibility also allows employees to proactively take on more projects, increase their income, and expand their professional network. For many, this model is also an opportunity to find a balance between work and life. Having experienced both work models, Vu Duc Cuong, a software engineer living in FLC Landmark Tower (My Dinh 2 Ward, Nam Tu Liem District, Hanoi), chose a hybrid solution of working in the office and working remotely. According to Cuong, this combination not only maintains work efficiency but also helps stay connected with the team, avoiding the feeling of isolation often experienced when working entirely through a screen.

However, not all fields are suitable for the remote working model. At Ocean Group International Joint Stock Company, an event organizing company, this model was once tested but quickly discontinued. CEO, Mr. Ho Tuan Anh, stated: "The nature of our work requires close coordination, flexible management, and on-site problem-solving. These elements are difficult to implement effectively when staff are scattered and not physically present together."

Although it was tested in some areas such as design or content creation, the results were not as expected. Coordination between departments became disjointed, affecting overall progress. According to Mr. Ho Tuan Anh, working in the office not only helps to easily monitor labor efficiency but also motivates employees and reduces distractions.

In reality, remote work requires employees to have time management skills, a high sense of responsibility, and proactiveness. Without effective work organization, employees can easily fall into a situation where their work is scattered and they fail to meet deadlines. Hoang Quang Than admitted: “I used to have to work late into the night because I couldn't concentrate enough during the day. Besides, remote project work also requires employees to constantly adapt to new work environments, continuously adjusting contracts, compensation, and schedules.”

The law is "open," but clear agreements are needed.

From a legal perspective, lawyer Duong Quang Dung (The Light Law Firm) affirmed: “The current Labor Code has basically provided complete regulations and ensured the rights of employees by allowing them and employers to freely agree on the location, time, and working conditions. However, the problem is that the law lacks detailed regulations to address issues arising during remote work, so resolving related disputes is very limited.”

One of the legal challenges facing businesses is information security. “Working remotely via personal devices and public internet connections makes it difficult for businesses to effectively control internal information. Information, business secrets, and technology are easily leaked, whether due to carelessness or intentional actions by employees using insecure applications. Therefore, to handle remote violations, from monitoring to disciplinary action, businesses need to establish internal regulations applicable to the entire company, avoiding individual negotiations within each contract to ensure transparency and consistency,” lawyer Duong Quang Dung emphasized.

People's Army Newspaper

Source: https://baolaocai.vn/xu-huong-lam-viec-tu-xa-post401622.html