17 Key Benefits of Remote Work for Employers and Employees
As of February 2022, nearly 60% of U.S. workers with jobs that can be done remotely are working from home all or most of the time, according to Pew. Until recently, the idea of working from home was firmly in “must be nice” territory for most employees—the stuff of wistful conversations during post-work happy hours. The Pew Research Center found that before the COVID-19 pandemic, only 20% of people whose work could be done remotely were working from home most or all of the time.
Greater Job Satisfaction
Eliminated factors include oversleeping, being stuck in traffic and waiting in a long line at the drive-through to get morning coffee. Being able to roll out of bed and start working is a huge time saver. At home, Lee appreciates that she can create a personalized workspace — it doesn’t have to be contained, like a cubicle, and it doesn’t have to fit into a larger open office plan.
Employees who work from home have more control over their work surroundings, schedule, and workload. This autonomy can lead to greater ownership and pride in their work. According to data by Clever Real Estate, US commuters spend approximately $8,466 on their commute yearly — nearly 19% of their annual income.
By embracing remote work, businesses can contribute to a more sustainable future while enjoying its many benefits. An Owl Labs survey revealed that over 71% of virtual teams are more satisfied than on-site teams. When employees work from home, employers can save on office space expenses, including rent, utilities, supplies, and maintenance. These cost savings can significantly improve the company’s bottom line. In my case, remote work has given me the flexibility I crave and the feeling that I can achieve more than I ever thought possible in my career.
- Nurture your inner tech pro with personalized guidance from not one, but two industry experts.
- Being able to roll out of bed and start working is a huge time saver.
- Working eight or more hours a day leaves little time for family — especially when commutes and sleep are factored in.
- Given all these benefits for employers and employees, it’s no surprise that remote work is on the rise.
Remote employees have more freedom
When you’re not constantly interrupted by colleagues or meetings, you can focus more easily on the task at hand and get into a flow state. This is especially beneficial for introverts who may need more quiet time to think and work independently. In addition, you’ll save money on transportation costs and other commuting-related costs, such as gas or parking fees. If you live in a big city, you know that commuting can be a huge time-suck.
The top 8 benefits of remote work for employees
Perhaps it’s occasional in-person meetings with your team, if that’s feasible. Possibly back-to-back meetings or meetings without a clear objective. Make a list and consider talking with your manager to try to build a better remote collaboration strategy.
It will continue to connect us as employees and businesses across time zones and continents. We all may not be physically in the same room, but work can be just as effective, if not more so, than the traditional working model. It’s time for employers and employees alike to embrace the new world of work and to consider the benefits of working remotely. As mentioned, one of the most significant advantages of remote work for business managers is its cost-effectiveness. With no need to rent or maintain office space, businesses can save a considerable amount of money by allowing employees to work from home. By now you’ve seen that remote work offers increased flexibility and autonomy for employees, as well as increased worker productivity and cost savings for employers.
That’s especially valuable to global companies who need to be competitive at all hours. Two of the most popular benefits of working remotely video meeting tools in the business world are Microsoft Teams and Zoom. However, this technology isn’t beneficial if employees don’t know how to use it. For others, it took time as they set up systems to enable remote work. Once organizations worked out the kinks, they found this new way of working had some benefits.
As they learn what works (e.g., one-on-one calls), they build on that. When they see what slows them down (e.g., back-to-back-to-back meetings), they adjust. That’s not to say that there are no distractions that come with remote work, of course, but for many people, the in-office ones are more disruptive to their productivity.
Not commuting literally adds an hour to each day — and more than a week to each year — while saving employees from the hassles of traffic and train delays. Working virtually also offers employees opportunities for professional development. Compared with their office counterparts, teleworkers are 35-40% more productive and have measured a 4.4% increase in output. For instance, employees who work from home can choose a workspace that is comfortable and conducive to their work style. For instance, employees with spouses who need to move around frequently or are caregivers for family members can more easily balance their work and personal lives. By removing geographical barriers, employers can tap into a wider pool of talent from different backgrounds and cultures.
But the biggest change was shifting from office work to remote work. On a micro level, it means less contact-switching and confusion as people churn in and out of key roles; on a macro level, it means less spending on recruiting and onboarding. As a result, they will have improved interpersonal skills and a better understanding of how to work with others in a virtual environment. Working remotely also requires a certain level of autonomy and self-discipline.
