Remote work was already a global movement prior to the coronavirus pandemic and its pace only increased during this time. As indicated by Gallup, approximately 60% of U.S. employees who were working from home desire to persist in doing so. Moreover, 90% of individuals engaged in remote work intend to remain in this setup throughout their careers.
Employees appreciate remote work arrangements due to the increased flexibility and autonomy it provides, allowing them to choose their location and working hours. Remote work does not necessarily entail working solely from home, as alternative options include working from coffee shops, co-working spaces, or even internationally by utilizing remote work visas.
Employers who support remote workers also experience benefits. Employers who embrace teleworking do not compromise on performance. They gain advantages such as reduced costs and a smaller environmental footprint, as well as increased productivity and employee retention.
This article provides an overview of the advantages that remote work offers to both employees and employers.
Enhanced Work-Life Balance
Remote working provides employees with the opportunity to establish a harmonious work-life balance, as it eliminates the requirement to commute. Consequently, individuals have additional time to allocate towards personal activities, spending time with family, and taking care of themselves. Such flexibility contributes to a workforce that is healthier and happier, ultimately boosting productivity, minimizing stress, and enhancing overall well-being.
Increased Productivity
Remote working has been proven to increase productivity, despite common misconceptions. Without the usual distractions and interruptions found in traditional office settings, employees are able to concentrate more effectively on their tasks. Additionally, the flexibility to work during their most productive hours, based on personal preferences, contributes to improved efficiency and output.
According to a study conducted by Stanford University, remote workers showed a 13% boost in productivity compared to their colleagues who work in an office setting.
Cost Savings
Remote working provides significant cost savings for both employees and employers by eliminating the expense of daily commuting, such as transportation, parking, and work attire.
According to Global Workplace Analytics, employers have the potential to save up to $11,000 per year for each employee who works remotely for half of their working hours.
Lowering overhead costs, such as office space rentals, utilities, and maintenance, can also be advantageous for businesses. The savings obtained from these reductions can be utilized for growth initiatives, improving work conditions, or investing in employee development.
Expanded Talent Pool
Remote working allows companies to access a global talent pool as it goes beyond geographical limitations. This means that organizations can recruit highly skilled professionals regardless of proximity, thus promoting diversity and gaining access to a broader range of skills and perspectives. Consequently, this creates opportunities for innovation and creativity, driving businesses forward in a highly competitive marketplace.
Environmental Impact
According to a study conducted by Global Workplace Analytics, if employees with jobs that can be done remotely were to work from home 50% of the time, it could result in a yearly reduction of 54 million metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions. By allowing remote work, companies greatly decrease carbon emissions by reducing commuting and related travel. Embracing remote work options not only benefits individual organizations but also contributes to sustainability efforts and the fight against climate change. This positive environmental impact spreads beyond individual companies, creating a collective movement towards a more environmentally friendly future.
Access to more opportunity
The access to opportunity is a major advantage of remote work as it allows for more job opportunities compared to office workers who are limited by their location. If you prefer living in a rural or small town, you are no longer required to relocate to a city in order to find well-paying jobs.
Take a closer look at the wide range of remote job opportunities that are now available. According to Dror Poleg’s book titled No Floor, No Ceiling, geographical limitations no longer prevent average individuals from accessing the finest options.
If you are a skilled software engineer, writer, or any other professional, you no longer need to seek employment outside your home. You have the freedom to choose your place of residence.
Improved inclusivity, diversity, and exposure to different cultures
By eliminating the need to reside near an office, remote companies frequently boast teams that are more diverse and inclusive. Remote work presents more opportunities for individuals who may face difficulty securing employment at a conventional company.
Individuals with disabilities, caregivers requiring a flexible timetable, and stay-at-home parents must find a way to manage the demands of both work and family life.
In addition to the fact that everyone desires or is able to live in cities, remote work has a tendency to connect individuals with diverse socioeconomic, geographic, and cultural backgrounds, allowing for exposure to varying perspectives.
If you do not work in a large multinational company, it is impossible to achieve the level of diversity in a company constrained by geography, as demonstrated by GitLab having remote employees in over 68 countries.
Remote work allows you to choose a community where you feel comfortable and supported to work from, instead of having to be close to the office.
Business Continuity and Disaster Preparedness
Having experienced this situation before, remote working offers inherent resilience for companies, guaranteeing uninterrupted operations during unexpected events such as natural calamities, pandemics, or emergencies.
Companies can minimize downtime and potential losses by having a remote infrastructure in place, which allows them to quickly adapt and continue operations without any disruption.
Strong bonds with colleagues around the world
Contrary to popular belief, it is often the case that remote workers are not lonely. Many communication tools such as Slack, QuizBreaker, and PulseMate allow remote workers to form strong connections with colleagues residing in different time zones.
If you are a video game player, you are aware that it is not necessary to be in close proximity to someone in order to form a genuine friendship. One of the greatest aspects of remote work is the opportunity to travel to a coworker’s nation and have a kind tour guide accompany you to explore the surroundings.
By thinking step by step, you can optimize the use of the real-time interaction you have with colleagues. Instead of interrupting them while they are focused on a task, it may be more effective to write a memo outlining your plan and then hold a meeting to discuss it once everyone has had a chance to read it. This approach of pre-reading before meetings saves time and guarantees that the time spent together is not wasted on gathering background information.
Happier and healthier life
The remote working arrangement provides employees with additional time and autonomy to prioritize their health. By eliminating the need to commute, rushing during lunch breaks, and spending long periods away from their families, the remote workforce generally experiences a greater level of satisfaction.
According to a study published in the American Sociological Review, remote workers who have flexible schedules generally experience improved sleep, better health, and reduced stress levels. The New York Times report on the study also revealed that these favorable effects extend to the children of these employees, as they also benefit from better sleep and lower stress levels when their parents have the flexibility to work remotely.
Co-worker and manager relationships are typically more positive when working remotely, as the absence of distractions and politicking commonly found in traditional office jobs promotes personal health and wellbeing.
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