Society’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic led to a surge in remote work and working from home, but this trend had been building over time. Studies showed that up to half of the global workforce spent at least some time working from home before the pandemic struck. Some companies had faced concerns about allowing remote work before 2020, but the past year has alleviated many anxieties. Both employees and their employers can enjoy a range of benefits from remote work, including increased efficiency, a more talented workforce, and improved work-life balance.
Increased Efficiency
Many managers used to worry that their team would be less productive on days spent working from home. The comical image of people slacking off in bathrobes on their back patios was hard to shake. However, society’s forced move to remote work during COVID-19 proved that this idea was mostly untrue. Companies that set basic performance expectations and use a robust communications platform can enjoy increased efficiency from remote workers.
Various studies have shown that working from home boosts productivity in a range of roles. People who primarily tackle complex, independent projects are more efficient at home compared to working in an office. Teams who traditionally work in distracting group environments such as call centers can also be more productive at home.
To get the most out of your remote workers, establish clear expectations and use a reliable communications network to keep everyone on the same page. Elevate by Docutrend is a streamlined cloud-based communications tool that can keep your entire team working together regardless of their location.
Attract And Retain the Best Candidates
Remote work is quickly becoming a desired job perk. New and younger employees have spent much of their lives working and communicating in digital, distributed methods. At any age, staff appreciates the additional freedom and trust inherent in working from home. The best candidates of today and tomorrow want the ability to work from home—and star candidates are increasingly choosing positions that provide this freedom.
In 2020, Gallup Research found that more than half of today’s workforce would leave their current job in favor of one that permitted remote work. This data was gathered before the COVID-19 pandemic, so the current rate may be higher among people who experience remote work for the first time during the pandemic. Companies that don’t allow their employees to work from home risk losing their best team members to other employers.
Improve Work-Life Balance
Finally, many employees report that working from home increases their overall job satisfaction, well-being, and work-life balance. Remote work removes some of the most stressful and inefficient parts of many workdays, such as commutes and mindless chatting with coworkers. Instead, remote workers retain control over more of their routine. They can make healthier dietary and exercise choices, avoid office gossip, and spend more of their day focusing on work projects.
Remote workers report being happier than their peers who go into the office every day. More satisfied employees are more productive, require fewer resources from management, and are more loyal to their employers than unhappy workers. Allowing staff to work from home is a valuable retention strategy that serves as a long-term investment in both employee happiness and company success.