The Top Benefits of Working Remotely

Benefits Of Working Remotely August 21, 2020

Mary Kate Morrow

Writer

Introduction

9 out of 10 remote workers plan to stay working remotely until they retire. The benefits of working remotely range from a better work life balance for employees to decreasing traditional office real estate costs for employers.

The Top Benefits of Remote Work for Employees

The ability to work remotely has increased productivity and provided a greater work life balance. Remote employees are able to get work done from virtually anywhere that has internet connection instead of being confined to a traditional office space where they are not as productive.

In fact, only 7% of employees say that a traditional office is where they get their more productive work done. People work best from their homes and creative spaces outside of the office. Additional benefits remote workers experience include-

1. Work life balance boost- Office workers waste a lot of time in their daily commute to and from the office. When employees work remotely they can spend the hours they would normally spend getting ready for and commuting to and from the office on being more productive.

When employees can work anywhere with internet access they are able to choose the location where they get work done most effectively. Some employees work best in a home office or collaborative office space while others work best at a coffee shop down the street from their home.

When commutes are cut, employees are able to spend more time with the people they care about as well as doing the things that bring them joy. Remember, your employee is so much more than just a worker, and giving them the freedom to find a better work life balance not only benefits them but your entire company culture and bottom line profitability.

2. Healthier employees- Remote workers are less stressed out and healthier than their office working counterparts. When employees feel better and are healthier, their performance and engagement levels will increase.

Remote work promotes a healthier lifestyle, 45% of remote employees report that they get more sleep, 42% eat healthier food, and 35% more physical activities are performed. Not only does this cut down employee absenteeism but it also potentially lessens costly medical expenses down the line for both employers and individual employees.

3. Increased productivity and fewer distractions- Remote team members are 13% more productive than office workers as they are not distracted by other co workers in their workspace. Increased productivity will positively influence your entire company culture and customer service capabilities. More productive employees will get work done more creatively and spend time on expanding their own development and your business's bottom line.

4. Better co worker relationships- A common misconception about remote teams is that they are not as connected as office co workers are. However, with social media and collaboration tools, people from different time zones and with varying schedules are able to get work done together more effectively.

With happier employees who feel trusted by their company and their team members, remote teams develop genuine and accountable workplace relationships. Future work is planned for in consideration of everyone's unique schedules and collaboration applications make working together on important projects easier than ever before.

The Benefits of Remote Work for Managers

Some business owners assume that the benefits of working remotely are solely felt by individual employees. However, managers and your entire business will benefit from transitioning to remote working. Benefits remote employees offer managers include-

1. Less absenteeism- Remote work decreases employee absenteeism by over 55%. Traditional office employees may struggle to find a work life balance that doesn't necessitate them taking off time from work.

For example, if you have an employee who is a parent and their child has a doctor's appointment or important school function. Regularly, he would have to plan to leave work early, factor in traffic and the commute, and possibly not return for the rest of the day.

If that employee was working remotely, they would be able to schedule in whatever commitments they had without majorly disrupting their whole day. When an employee can focus on their work and not worry about commuting or being late, you will see less employee absenteeism.

2. Decreased real estate costs- Businesses spend nearly $2,000 per employee on real estate costs. Employers who work from home not only save businesses that money, but also money that would be spent on utilities and other office supplies.

Make sure that you provide remote workers with allowances for their internet, electricity, and any other home office costs. While you are majorly saving on real estate costs, share that benefit with your employees directly. Additionally, consider allowances for improving their home office and technological updates.

3. Brings in top talent- 35% of employees would switch to another job if they were able to work remotely full time. A flexible work schedule is a must for many top talent employees and your talent pool will expand greatly if you are able to hire someone who doesn't necessarily live within commuting distance.

Whether you're in New York or your office is abroad, you can bring on a high performing employee who is perfect for the role if they are allowed to work remotely. Hiring diverse employees will increase your company culture and make even a small business feel like a global workplace leader.