You are wrong if you think that remote work only benefits one side. This type of work can be equally lucrative for employers and employees. That’s why there is always mutual agreement so that the situation becomes ideal.
Then, is remote working just about saving money? No, remote work is more than that. It can be about staff motivation, increased productivity, and enjoyment. Then remote work is not only for those who work from home but also freelancers, contract workers and international workers who can work from anywhere.
You're also wrong if you think remote work doesn't have an office. Companies with this type can still be present with an office. Employees can spend a few days in the office and the rest is up to them. Everyone stays in touch face-to-face even though they don't go to the office daily.
In this post, you will learn about the benefits of working remotely for employees and employers.
The benefits of remote work for employees
Photo by Proxyclick Visitor Management System on Unsplash
1. Flexibility and freedom
In remote working, freedom comes first. Remote employees are free to plan the day so that they’ll have a work-life balance, as long as they do it at the right time.
When you become a remote worker, you can have the flexibility to work in a cafe, see a doctor or shop monthly. You don't need special permission from HR to do private things. But you must adjust the schedule when there is a meeting agenda or brainstorming with the team.
Freedom and flexibility will build strong trust and provide more job satisfaction.
2. Cost and time savings
Remote work does not require you to be stuck on the street when you go to the office. You are free to complete your work in the morning, afternoon or evening. Some remote workers live with ideas in the evening or morning. As long as the time you're working doesn't affect your mates and you meet deadlines, you can work when you wish.
Going to the office is time-consuming and costs money. Think about how much money you spend on parking, lunch and Starbucks coffee when you're at the office. This doesn't include coworker gifts and remote working cuts those costs.
3. Increase productivity
A study from Hubstaff said that 65% of workers became super productive when working from home. One of the most repeatedly emphasised benefits of allowing working remotely is the impact on productivity.
Businesses, too, agree, with over 85% backing up their employees - the latter are more productive when they work from home.
4. Work-life balance
Remote work is one of the most effective ways to have a work-life balance. You are free to control your life, including the details of daily activities. When working remotely:
- No rush to the station to catch a bus or a train
- No need to carry a heavy backpack
- Take a break when you need it
- Exercise every day
- Make a meal for yourself
5. Create your own workspace
Personalisation is a simple thing, but it has a significant impact on work. When you have your workspace at home, you can personalise it to reflect yourself. You can place plants in the corner of the table or just buy equipment that matches.
The effect? The mood improves and the spirit increases. You can spend time in your corner. Interesting right?
The benefits of remote work for employers
Photo by krakenimages on Unsplash
1. Cost savings
Yep, the biggest benefit of working remotely for employees is cost savings. Companies can rent a coworking space when they need an office. Companies can save on building maintenance, utilities, equipment, and furniture.
Dell is one of the pioneers of working from home because they found that it saves $12 million every year. Companies can also cut travel allowances because employees don't have to go to the office.
2. Reduce absenteeism
When they are mildly ill, some employees choose not to work in the office because of the trip to the office, but many of them can still work from home. Indeed, they do not have to work when sick. According to CoSo Cloud, 52% of remote workers are less likely to take time off, even when sick.
This also applies when employees have events or appointments. Employees with complete control over their daily schedule will not take unnecessary time off.
3. Brand awareness
A company's branding rises when they offer options that make employees happy, including working remotely. For example, a remote-first policy puts you on the map as a progressive company. It also shows that the company is up to date with technology.
Companies' opportunities to recruit extraordinary talent worldwide rapidly increase using a narrative surrounding remote work.
4. Better communication
At first, working outside of the office will feel strange. Silence and no office chatter make the atmosphere awkward. But the upside is that it encourages better communication as people learn to talk to whom they need to speak to without wasting time.
Long-distance communication is complicated, and sometimes, there are many misunderstandings. But over time, communication will grow and encourage each other to collaborate.
5. Loyalty
It is common knowledge that flexibility breeds loyalty. Loyalty leads employees to the trust of the company. Employees who feel the company trusts them to work their way build respect and loyalty.
Loyalty means employee retention. Staff will not look for other opportunities when they enjoy their work. It also means savings in hiring costs.
Wrapping up
Though the pandemic became a catalyst for remote work for millions of people around the world. Many parties, including employees and companies, can also feel the benefits of working remotely. This work system will impact many global things and lead to a good path forward.
In the transition period, everything will seem very difficult. Communication, discussions, meetings and daily stand-ups feel weird. Many misunderstandings occur due to working remotely, and companies must be able to manage their employees. Some employees will also find it difficult to divide their time because they are not used to it. But behind it all, there will be benefits that are born. So both employees and companies must work together.
