The COVID-19 pandemic has turned out to be the largest experiment on remote work ever conducted. After its massive spread, many companies opted their employees to work from home. Many agree to the fact that work will never be the same again.
Remote work is often considered as a benefit for employees, but it has got much benefits for employers too. Which includes increased productivity, improved retention, cost reduction, improved teamwork, talent acquisition, and more.
Productive and successful organizations often rely on remote work for all their employees who can reasonably do so. Here are few top reasons on why remote work is better for employees and employers.
Advantages of remote work
Some organizations have quickly adapted to work-from-home routines. For others, it took considerable time. Many found that this new way of working had several advantages. Companies and organizations looking to fulfil their mission, attract and retain top talents, maintain high performers, and find competitive customer advantages should consider remote work for all employees, including executives. As companies embrace this new business reality, there are many benefits for their employees and the companies themselves.
- Improves work-life balance
One of the biggest benefits of remote work is that it allows employees to achieve a better work-life balance. Which means you have the flexibility to adjust your working hours to balance your professional and personal life. A healthy work-life balance has long-term benefits for employees and the company. Job satisfaction increases and quality work is produced when you can plan your work hours around your personal life. Employers can provide additional support by providing time management and communication tools to help teams complete tasks and get work done more efficiently.
- Increases productivity
It is impossible to stay focused when it comes to work space distractions or interruptions. Working from home often means fewer distractions. A quieter environment with fewer distractions often leads to better productivity and performance. Since, you don’t have to commute, you will have more time to produce quality work from home. Employees who create their own flexible schedules are also encouraged to start working when they are most productive. Remote teams can be more productive by completing projects on their own terms.
Remote workers ought to be more productive because,
- No need to commute for work
- Not distracted by their colleagues
- Can take breaks whenever needed
- Flexible work schedule
- Self-motivated
- Lowers Cost
With fewer employees at office, business or company owners can save a lot of resources and space in traditional offices. That includes electricity, rent, furniture, appliances, and other amenities. Company doesn’t have to spend money to upgrade hardware, as most remote workers work with their personal laptops and computers at home. Also, when compared to remote work, working in office areas increase the chances of spreading illness. Therefore, unwanted medical care expenses could be cut down on remote working.
- Improves Teamwork
When work from home and to collaborate with others, employers typically set up communication channels that enables team members to reach out to each other in real time. This is so that you can share information, progress, and ask for help if you bump into problems within your project. You can still receive your messages even when you’re away from your desk, with the help of unlimited connectivity across platforms and devices. This approach helps you to make quick adjustments and know if you are in line with you team.
- Recruit from talent pool
In a world of spiking unemployment rates, finding the real talent you need to build your brand is crucial. If your company is location-based, then you are limited to hiring people who are within the driving distance. Also, organizations with full-time, in-house employees can only have access to limited talent pool. If you are open to global remote workers, you can attract more talents around the globe. This means companies can bring in new talents to outperform their competitors. Remote work also improved his retention rate by keeping top talent longer.
- Flexibility
Remote work means employees can work from anywhere and not just from home. When asynchronous work is inevitable, organizations can extend their operational support beyond their working hours. Remote work allows you to work at flexible timing depending on the nature of your position. Flexible working hours are added advantage for employees who are typical late-night workers and those with small kids. If you are so smart, you can start earlier and meet your deadlines sooner. This newfound flexibility is one of the favourite aspects of working remotely.
- Carbon footprints
Working from home promotes less paper consumption as employees may not require it to prepare reports, presentations, or letters. On the other hand, companies can start using digital tools to store information instead of having physical archives. Mainly, work from home invokes minimal to no commute times leading to reduction in air pollution and only fewer building requiring electricity and heating.
- Improves the use of technology
Remote work is made possible only through the wide range of technologies and tools available. Wi-Fi access, cloud storage, and applications make it lot easier than ever to stay connected with your team. At office, managers had to go to an employee’s desk to see if they are working and making good use of their time. But now, with all the project management software and other programs, team leaders can monitor productivity without having to look over someone else’s shoulder.
Remote teams are just as effective, if not more effective than full-time, in-house teams. It definitely takes some adjustments, but it gives everyone more flexibility, helps the team maintain a healthy work-life balance and increases productivity. Overall, it is evident that remote work benefits both employers and employees.
- Benefits of Remote Work to Employee and Management - January 30, 2023