By Leslie Dodo
Remote work has become increasingly popular in recent years and a necessity in light of COVID. The pandemic has taught employees and employers that less traditional ways of working, such as virtual offices and cloud-based services, are cost-effective. In the past, employers refused flexible and remote working conditions believing that they brought no benefits to the company, but remote work has clear advantages for both staff and employers alike.
Aside from cost-saving benefits, many positives come from allowing employees to work remotely. Many employees now say that they would prefer to work for a company that accommodates their needs rather than one that doesn’t. Companies that remain rigid risk expensive recruitment drives and low staff retention. This can prove catastrophic to businesses that are fighting the war for talent.
Employers who refuse to compromise with employees risk their reputation. Employees talk, and a company that doesn’t value employees shows its customers that it lacks values. This is far more important in today’s market, where consumers want to do business with companies that share their values. The internet means more transparency, and bad reviews from disgruntled employees don’t reflect well on employers.
So what are the main benefits of remote working? This article will shed light on why you need to make this a permanent solution for some employees as we come out of the pandemic.
Retention
One of the most significant advantages to companies who offer remote work is higher staff retention. Employees are more inclined to continue to work in companies where they feel valued and happy.
One of the most prominent signs that a company values employees is its willingness to work with them and enable them to do their job the best way possible. Offering remote work is an acknowledgment by employers that employees have needs the company is willing to meet,
Retention costs for lost employees can run high. The price for each recruit averages around £4000. If you have a high staff turnover rate, your recruitment costs could be through the roof. Keeping retention costs down is essential, and a 2018 survey found that 80% of staff would be more loyal to companies who offered remote work.
Promotes staff wellbeing
Employee wellbeing is vital to businesses because it directly impacts engagement and recruitment. Happy employees make for workers who are loyal and who can be relied upon. Allowing remote working enables staff to work with fewer pressures and improves their happiness in the workplace.
Unexplained sick days cost the economy billions each year, and most unexplained sick days boil down to mental health issues. Many employees cite stress and anxiety as critical reasons for sick days. Remote work environments cut down on stress and absentees.
Increased productivity
Many employers and managers have taken the approach in the past that supervision and scrutiny were the only ways to ensure productivity. The increase in remote work forced by the pandemic has proven that this is not the case. Many staff are happier working from home, and they pass that happiness on to your customers and clients.
Employees who work from home skip the commute and are more inclined to start work earlier. By the same token, as they are already home, they aren’t rushing out of the office at the end of the day. This means that any work they have unfinished at 5 pm is more likely to be done before they log off. Remote work, in some instances, can see employees working longer hours and being more productive than their office counterparts.
Cost-efficient and eco-friendly
As well as saving money, remote work helps to protect the environment. Employees who skip the commute don’t have to worry about travel costs, and with fewer people traveling at rush hour every day, it saves the environment. Workers also save money on lunch and other incidentals like their morning coffee on their way to work. Increased productivity created by home-working also helps to drive down overtime costs for employers.
Remote work helps companies cut down on overheads and allows employers to move to smaller workspaces and virtual office environments. Remote working causes a reduction in gas and electricity and lower water rates and helps to lower the company’s carbon footprint.
Attract top talent
The world of work is changing rapidly, and the new normal is here to stay. Employees have learned this year that they can balance work and family life much better if given the flexibility. They know their productivity has increased, and they have learned that they don’t have to be in the office to do their job.
Remote work environments mean that employers have access to a global talent pool. The flexibility and increased reach that remote work has, allows companies to spread their net wide to attract top talent.
Easier management
Employees who are given remote work options are more likely to be loyal to their employers and give back. This means the increase in productivity will show with little input from management. Professionals don’t need to be micromanaged, and poor management is one of the main contributors to low retention. The pandemic ushered in technological advancements to meet the needs of remote working. HR software enables managers to see productivity in real terms so employers can support their staff to work remotely safely in the knowledge that they can see real-time results.
More creativity
Employees who don’t have managers controlling every aspect of their work are more likely to be creative. Creativity flourishes in environments where there is trust between employee and employer. When employees feel free to make mistakes or at least try new things, they become more open to experimentation, and that is where creativity is born.
Remote working teams are often working on different time patterns, which allows for interdisciplinary teams. Working in various disciplines and with different people regularly helps shine new light on ideas and create new ways of working.
Smart employers work flexibly
In the modern world, so many employers who previously would not have engaged in remote working are now seeing the benefits. The advantages are evident at every level of business and industry. No doubt allowing remote working will save money and provide other benefits for both employers and employees.
Bio:
Lesley Dodo – https://immigrationnews.co.uk/
Lesley is an SEO Content strategist for https://iasservices.org.uk/, the leader in global immigration advice. If you are looking to hire international talent, speak to iasservices.org.uk about your options and legal requirements.
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