Mason Rak asked tax leaders and professionals: “Where do you believe you will be working in a post-COVID world?” 33% of our respondents believed they would work from home, while 11% envisioned a return to the office. An overwhelming 56%, however, saw the value of a hybrid working model.
Hybrid work models will pave the way forward for many accountancy and law firms in 2021. During the toughest points of 2020, tax professionals were able to work remotely. A shift from traditional office work to a more flexible approach is beneficial for tax leaders and teams, allowing people to feel mentally, physically, and financially secure in uncertain times.
Hybrid work strategies facilitate areas of tax consulting that are executed better in person. Office work will allow teams to come together for collaboration, or to network with clients. At Mason Rak, we continue to execute challenging tax search assignments and act as a trusted advisor to accountancy and law firms across the globe. The team at Mason Rak seamlessly transitioned from in-office work to remote working and continue to provide best-in-class tax search solutions to clients around the world.
Mason Rak believe the current climate presents a global opportunity for tax professionals to service clients remotely. This trend reflects a new era for the industry. We view the current market not as a challenge but instead as an opportunity to gain a competitive advantage.
Global reach for tax professionals is an invaluable resource. Modern technology has allowed business growth from any jurisdiction. Tax professionals are effortlessly transitioning from in-office work to remote work. Technology has enabled consultants to engage virtually with clients, while software has developed to allow access to applications, data, and storage from remote locations.
An international move merged with remote working will accelerate career growth for tax professionals. It will enrich lifestyle through education, culture, and language. International exposure is particularly important for tax professionals seeking partnership potential. Collaborative work helps tax professionals feel connected, just like in an office environment: even if they are on opposite sides of the globe.
Working from home, combined with in-office work has accelerated in the pandemic era. Forward-thinking professional services firms have allowed for remote days to increase individual focus, as well as virtual communication for orientations, relationship management and to kick-start projects.
There are many advantages for tax professionals to work from different locations. An overseas role will allow tax professionals to develop a global network. International experiences demonstrate the ability to successfully integrate with different cultures and develop an international perspective, which is regarded highly by employers.
From inception, Mason Rak was designed to function outside the stereotypical physical office – this means that while the pandemic has acted as a catalyst for change in organisations across the world, Mason Rak’s remote, global outlook has transferred seamlessly into a new digital era. Through powerful methodology, in-depth industry knowledge, and an unrivalled network of tax professionals, Mason Rak is able to execute some of the most challenging assignments regardless of jurisdiction.
The method of work in 2021 is simple, replicate the familiarity of working from a traditional office, but remove the reliance of a single location. Tax professionals must maintain their professional relationships with clients, colleagues and tax leaders. In the current climate, strong interpersonal skills, combined with hybrid global office spaces, will enable firms to gain a competitive advantage. A flexible approach will guarantee productivity in the workplace, be it remote or in-office – the combination is future proof and sustainable.