The benefits of remote work for both employees and managers
And today’s millennials almost expect to have the choice of working remotely as they’ve grown up with technology that allows this. It’s clear that the advantages of remote work help keep employees happy, engaged, and fulfilled. According to Gallup’s State of the American Workplace report, “The optimal engagement boost occurs when employees spend [around] three to four days working off-site.” Need to take a trip across the country to visit family? From working from home to traveling abroad to being in the office one day a week or three, employees enjoy the freedom of remote work.
And rightly so, as businesses have a responsibility to act in a way that is ethical and sustainable. Improved performance also affects the bottom line by reducing the need for overtime or extra staff.
Time
And not having to ask special permission or fit in with other team members takes the pressure off too. When an employer allows employees this kind of freedom it builds trust and gives more job satisfaction. In addition, a remote company can still have a presence with an office. One of the benefits of remote working is that employees spend a couple of days in the office and the rest at home, which ensures everyone stays in touch face-to-face. Having no set job location means that, pre-pandemic, fully remote workers could also travel and live as digital nomads while having a meaningful career. Though a full nomad lifestyle is currently on hold, as borders begin to open up, it’s still a definite perk.
Many companies offering flexible schedules allow staff members to start and end their work day whenever they choose, provided they meet pre-set deadlines. It boosts flexibility—not needing to be physically co-located with fellow workers enables independent work and more flexible hours—as well as productivity, with less time wasted https://remotemode.net/ commuting. Yet remote work also may increase gender disparity in the workplace, exacerbating the regressive effects of COVID-19. The female workforce in many economies is more highly concentrated in occupational clusters like healthcare, food services, and customer service that have relatively low potential for remote work.
Work/life balance
You’ve got travel costs, parking, lunch, coffee and snacks, birthday cakes, colleague presents, clothes for work… the list is endless. Some employers even give refreshment or clothing allowances as a benefit. Remote working saves on these expenses, which can add up to a substantial amount. This means more disposable income available for other things, which is always a good thing. The benefits of remote working can be just as advantageous for the employer as the employee. Working out a mutually agreeable situation for both is ideal, as remote working is growing in popularity.
- These cost savings can significantly improve the company’s bottom line.
- Known as the ability to work anywhere, at any time, remote work is more than a global trend – it’s become a full-on work movement.
- With remote work, there is absolutely no reason for an employee to let go of the company they are working at.
- For instance, employees who work from home can choose a workspace that is comfortable and conducive to their work style.
- Since you are remotely working, there is no formal dress code to be followed.
It stands to reason that if your staff is primarily remote, you won’t need to maintain as much (increasingly expensive) office space. This reduces operating and equipment costs, allowing you to reinvest those funds into more profitable areas, such as employee training, higher salaries or expansion. In some cases, companies can arrange coverage around the clock depending on where team members are based. Virtual work has never been more connected than it is today, with collaboration and communication apps helping to keep far-flung employees in touch.
