5 Reasons Why Remote Working Could Benefit Your Business

April 11, 2019 |  5years | Technology News

It’s estimated that the number of people remote working within the UK has risen to almost 1.5 million. Changing attitudes and advancing technological network capabilities have facilitated this growth, with the upward streak set to continue over the next 3 years. Statistics now suggest that by 2020, 50% of the UK’s workforce will be working remotely. That’s right, 50%! So, we wanted to give you the lowdown on how remote working could benefit you; and your workforce.

1. Higher Levels of Productivity

But what if they just sit at home, watch TV and do little to no work at all? – we hear you ask. Well, although the saying goes “when the cat’s away the mouse will play”, it seems the opposite is true for remote working. Studies show that employees are much happier when given a sense of freedom: their productivity, motivation and moral has been shown to increase tenfold. AND they actually put in more hours than the average office worker.

2. Increased Retention of Staff

Staff turnover (sigh). We all know that sourcing, interviewing and hiring new employees is not only a long and tedious job, but also a very expensive one. Employees who have the option to work from home tend to appreciate the ability to do so. With less interruptions, they are typically more productive, and as explained, are usually happier due to increased levels of flexibility (hence, less likely to quit). Employees who feel trusted in their role are less likely to jump ship thinking the grass is greener on the other side.

3. Access to a Wider Talent Pool

Candidates given the option to remote work are much less likely to be deterred by the geographical distance of your office. Whether it be 10 miles or 10,000 miles, busy morning commutes are a thing of the past. Therefore, you can access the best talent from practically anywhere in the world. Let’s be honest, if you find the right high performing candidate, they’re going to get the work done regardless of where they are. So, offering them the option to draw on their creativity and increase productivity their own way, while also being able to take their beloved cat to the vet when they need to can only be beneficial to both parties, right?

4. Reduction of Overhead Office Costs

With no bums to put on seats, at desks, in buildings, with electricity, heating and maintenance - you get the gist - the cost of employing a singular person is reduced dramatically. This means businesses of all sizes can expand their workforce without having to worry about relocating to bigger premises. Also, employers can save money on temporary cover for absent employees, as remote working has vastly reduced unscheduled absences. If remote workers are ill they can nurse themselves back to health at home, while wearing their fluffiest dressing gown, with their laptop on their knee, not worrying about passing germs onto their colleagues. Win, win.

5. Environmental Benefits

Regardless of how you feel personally about remote working, it cannot be ignored that it has a variety of environmental benefits. Just think how much fuel would be saved if just one person worked from home even one day of the week. Plus, consumers love to support companies who care about the planet and who are taking positive steps to reduce their carbon footprint. Basic CSR promotion at its finest.

While remote working seems entirely lucrative to modern day employees; and employers alike, companies still have major work to do when it comes to facilitating the infrastructure needed to support their dispersed workforce. For innovative companies out there striving to hire and retain new age top talent, giving the opportunity to work from home is an important - and somewhat essential – perk to consider. Clearly not every job falls under a category where remote working is conceivable, although advancements in technology are making it more and more possible every day. Contact Active Office today to find out how we can help you have a happier, healthier, more productive workforce, by facilitating remote working.

Look out for the follow up to this blog which will discuss how businesses can get themselves remote worker ready! In the meantime, follow us on LinkedIn where we regularly post exclusive content.