Remote working may sound attractive to employees, but there are huge organizational benefits for employers, too. With 74% of professionals believing that remote working will become the new normal following the COVID-19 pandemic, it looks like its popularity isn’t going to end any time soon.
So, how can you make it work for your business and reap the benefits? Read on to learn more.
1. Increased staff productivity
Empowered remote teams are more productive than their office-based counterparts, even though you might assume the opposite to be true. A study by Harvard Business School showed that remote workers’ output increased by 4.4%. Removing the need for an energy-draining physical commute is just one reason why.
Feelings of autonomy coupled with reduced workplace distractions and the ability to work during the hours that suit them, all increase the productivity of remote employees.
Image: Buffer.com
2. A healthier, happier and more loyal workforce
Introducing remote working into your organization’s corporate culture can have a really positive effect on employee happiness and health. Working remotely is seen as a perk, and generally increases feelings of loyalty from staff. It can help to improve employee satisfaction and retention levels.
The health benefits are multiple, leading to less absenteeism and, therefore, more productivity. Remote working allows employees to have more time to build exercise into their daily routine and reduces the time taken off if people are unable to travel to the office. Also, if an employee is sick, they won’t spread their germs to the rest of the team if they are working remotely.
It is important, however, to minimize the risk of remote work fatigue for employees, and avoid issues such as screen strain. This can be achieved by issuing clear remote working guidance and creating a robust home-working company policy.
3. A team prepared for anything
Life is what happens when you’ve made other plans! An employee may have every intention of making it into the office on time. However, they could encounter numerous problems such as train cancellations, car breakdowns, or extreme weather events. Remote employees are also better placed to work despite personal or childcare issues, such as emergency school closures.
In fact, cloud computing, essential for remote working, can enhance an organization’s ability to deal with any form of disaster, such as technology and infrastructure problems, cyberattacks, or burglaries. Being able to demonstrate a robust business resilience strategy and a real understanding of cybersecurity can be very attractive to potential customers.
4. A global talent pool
Remote working opens up far greater access to applicants when recruiting, with no geographical restrictions. Being able to select employees from a much wider talent pool allows you to select only the very best, leading to obvious benefits for your business.
Going global also allows work to continue around the clock. By recruiting a customer service team across different time zones, there will always be someone available to answer your customers’ queries no matter what the time of day.
You can also hire native speakers in different languages and connect with people all around the world. Effective performance management tools can help your HR department to manage employees, no matter where they are based.
5. Remote working is better for the environment
Powering and heating large office spaces is not very eco-friendly and neither are all the greenhouse gas emissions created during daily commutes.
Reducing your organization’s carbon footprint not only has a positive effect on the environment but can also enhance reputation. Consumers are now actively seeking to purchase from or invest in environmentally friendly companies.
6. A cost-effective strategy
The costs of renting or buying a large office space can be extensive, and it doesn’t stop there. Lowered business expenses can also include savings on supplies and equipment, with many remote employees happy to use their own personal laptops.
Perks like office parties are not expected to the same extent by remote workers. Virtual alternatives can be held at a fraction of the cost.
Image: Stafiz
7. Today’s remote working tools make it easy
Modern remote working tools and activities such as conference calls and sharing screen technology make it easier than ever before for businesses to manage remote teams without losing efficiency.
Video conferencing is the new normal when holding meetings. This creates better attendance rates and the ability to record sessions for later viewing by people unable to attend.
Implementing remote working
With work from home here to stay, business owners should embrace the organizational benefits of having a remote or hybrid workforce. Employees love the flexibility and control over their lives that remote work offers. However, as we have outlined above, there are big advantages for employers, too.
If you are wondering how to implement or get the most out of remote working teams, there are many online resources available. You may find the following article helpful: 16 effective communication techniques for remote work.
