When people think about the perks of remote work, they usually focus on how it benefits the employees rather than the employers. But, surprise! Having a remote team can actually be a game-changer for you as the boss.
Here are some cool benefits of having a virtual workplace:
- Your team will get more stuff done
Ever worry that letting someone work from home means they’ll slack off and miss deadlines? Think again. Study after study has shown that remote workers are actually more productive than those in the office. For instance, a Harvard Business School study found that employees at the US Patent Office who could work from anywhere were 4.4% more productive. And according to a Stanford study, work-from-home folks are churning out almost a whole extra days’ worth of work!
- Dealing with the Unexpected
Speaking of unexpected employee absences, what happens to productivity when several people are missing on the same day? Sure, others might pick up the slack, but what about the aftermath? Lingering resentments? A whole office trying to play catch-up for a week?
Giving staff the option to work from home means they’re still on the job, even when they can’t make it to the office. Whether it’s due to sudden weather events, unexpected road closures causing long commutes, or a personal emergency, letting employees work from home allows them to balance work and personal life, making them better (and happier) team members.
- No More Commuting Hassles
Finding an employee who actually enjoys the daily grind of heading into the office is like searching for a needle in a haystack. Starting your workday with a lengthy commute, squished into a train or bus, or navigating a crowded city sidewalk is no one’s idea of fun.
Regardless of the reason or the duration of someone’s commute, it contributes to increased workplace absences and decreased employee productivity. And as if that’s not bad enough, those enduring an extreme commute (over 90 minutes each way) are more likely to throw in the towel on their jobs. Allowing employees to work from home not only boosts retention but also saves you the time and money spent on recruiting and training replacements.
- It’s a Lot More Affordable
Sure, it would be great to have your whole team in one office, where you can keep an eye on things, foster collaboration, and have those in-person chats whenever you feel like it. But let’s face it, all that comes with a hefty price tag – office space, supplies, equipment – it all adds up. Having a virtual team basically wipes out those expenses!
Think about it: back in 2015, Xerox, a company that’s been into remote work for three decades, discovered that letting employees work from home saved them almost $10 million a year. And, according to a Harvard study, the Patent Office slashed $38.2 million off their office bills.
And if cutting costs on rent and overhead isn’t convincing enough, throw in the salary savings. Another study by Global Workplace Analytics found that 36% of employees would pick working from home over a salary bump, and 37% of tech pros would gladly take a 10% pay cut for the chance to work remotely.
- You have the option to hire the best no matter where they are
Remote work isn’t just about working in your pajamas; it’s a game-changer for assembling an all-star team. Forget about being confined to local hires – with remote work, the talent hunt goes global. Picture this: you have the power to handpick top-notch employees from across the globe, bringing diverse skills and perspectives to your virtual table. And the best part? When you finally discover that perfect fit, there’s no need to break the bank on relocation costs!
The beauty of embracing remote work lies in the boundless potential to build a powerhouse team without the traditional constraints. Imagine a scenario where brilliant minds from different time zones collaborate effortlessly, creating a melting pot of innovation. It’s not just about securing the best talent; it’s about fostering a workplace that transcends the limitations of brick-and-mortar offices. So, dive into the global talent pool, redefine teamwork, and elevate your business to new heights – all while keeping your budget in check.
