Flying the Skies to Wire the Seas: Should the Subsea Cable Industry Rethink Travel?
For decades, the subsea cable industry, despite its deep-sea focus, has been heavily reliant on air travel to forge global partnerships and manage projects across continents. Then, the unprecedented happened: COVID-19 grounded the world, and the industry adapted, discovering the power of remote collaboration. But as travel resumes, a crucial question arises: should the subsea cable industry return to pre-pandemic levels of travel, or embrace a new, more sustainable normal?
This thought-provoking article from the Sustainable Subsea Networks project, an initiative of the SubOptic Foundation, examines the environmental and social implications of travel within the subsea industry. It explores the remarkable shift to remote work, the significant carbon emissions savings achieved, and the surprising limitations of virtual interactions.
While remote work offers clear benefits, the article reveals the enduring importance of in-person connections in this unique industry. Building trust, fostering collaboration, and navigating complex projects often rely on the nuances of face-to-face communication. The piece delves into finding the optimal balance – a hybrid approach that leverages the efficiency of remote work while recognizing the irreplaceable value of in-person engagement.
Curious to explore the future of work and travel in the subsea cable industry?
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