Whether it’s called remote work, telecommuting, or working from home, the American workforce is craving more flexibility in how they get the job done. According to a recent report by FlexJobs, the amount of remote work has increased by 44% over the last five years. Factor in advances in technology, the rise of the “always on” generation, and the gig economy and it’s clear that remote work is the new “normal.”

Additionally, deploying a remote workforce is extremely beneficial in times of crisis. Fires, floods, pandemics, or even financial crises can put undue stress and constraints on companies, forcing them to pivot their business model to avert lost production. These crises can even cause a complete collapse. Doom and gloom aside, it’s advantageous for contact centers to not only consider a remote workforce, but ultimately build out a strategic plan that includes telecommuting as an option for worst case scenarios.

So, how can contact centers turn force majeure into esprit de corps? Let’s look at some advantages of a remote workforce along with our best tips for a successful deployment.