Since COVID-19 made its debut, companies all over the world were forced to send their employees home to work virtually, which subsequently made remote work the new normal. Although the shift happened suddenly, it was apparent that there were numerous benefits of working from home. In many cases, productivity, improved well-being and lower costs outweighed those of office-based teams. There was also an immediate need to deliver employees access to all the tools they’d require to telecommute. This is our area of expertise. We can show you how managing remote connections can be simplified by using OC connectivity management service. Let’s discuss some of the benefits of remote working for both the employer and employee
Advantages for Employers
1. Improved Communication
Due to numerous software solutions that are able to streamline communication and improve daily workflows, it is much easier to get everyone on the same page. Having all communication in one single depository makes it more efficient to get what you need as you are not wasting time searching through email chains or progress reports, etc. This naturally leads to better collaboration with customer profiles and real time updates.
2. Increased Productivity and Performance
Numerous studies show that remote employees are 20-25% more productive than traditional office employees. Working from home usually leads to fewer interruptions, less office politics, quieter noise levels and less or more efficient meetings. Time that was wasted on social distractions before can now be used to take the necessary breaks as required throughout the day, which psychologists say helps with overall performance.
3. Cost Savings on Team Events
Team bonding is still necessary to build a healthy culture, but you can now do so at a fraction of the cost. Instead of having to spend money on rental space, food and activity materials, you can use digital tools to assist with team building. In person social events like holiday parties and team events can put a dent on budgets, where as those funds can be better allocated in high impact areas.
4. Improved employee health and well-being
Telecommuting automatically facilitates a better work life balance as employees gain more overall flexibility. Employees can choose their schedules, as long as their work is complete. This control over their work schedule can be invaluable in regards to fulfilling the needs of their personal life as well. Employees can also customize their home office/environment. Whether it’s specialized office equipment like an ergonomic chair or tech set ups or preferred outfits, they can customize their surroundings as they deem fit when telecommuting.
5. Improved Inclusivity and Talent
Remote work allows employers to hire talent from different geographic, socioeconomic and cultural backgrounds. Being able to expand talent pools this way gives the organization a greater chance of finding someone with the exact requirements they are looking for leading to a better fit. In addition it gives people who may find it challenging to work at an onsite job, like those with disabilities, an opportunity to follow their career goals without having to commute back and forth to an office. Telecommuting promotes diversity and inclusivity.
Benefits of Telecommuting for employees
- Location Independence: This is a considerable benefit for employees to have access to a broader range of job opportunities without being confined to geographical limitations. This is especially helpful for those that live in rural communities where not as many jobs are available. As long as they have a WiFi connection, those barriers are lifted.
- Flexible Hours: A 9-5 model isn’t realistic for most employees as it doesn’t take into account individual energy levels, attention spans, task durations and schedule needs. Telecommuting allows employees to be productive within the hours suited best. They can organize their time around the tasks needed to be completed
- Less Commute Stress: Studies show the average one-way commute time is 27 minutes, therefore almost an hour every day. Daily commutes coupled with traffic have been linked to increased levels of stress and anxiety. Ditching this commute helps you support your mental and physical health. Not to mention, the time savings can be better spent elsewhere like spending more time with loved ones, extra sleep, fitness, or eating a healthy breakfast.
- Accommodate Special Needs: Telecommuting for employees with disabilities and special needs is a life saviour. Typically their own homes are equipped to support them in any way they need, therefore will help them succeed if remotely working. They are able to sufficiently care for themselves in the confines of their own homes versus an office environment.
- Money Savings: Remote working can save employees money in several different areas. Gas, car maintenance, transportation, parking fees, professional wardrobe, take out lunches, and more can be reduced or in some cases eliminated entirely. All of these savings add up and put money directly back into your pockets. Overall, there are positive benefits to telecommuting for both employers and employees. The flexibility that remote work allows is mutually beneficial when it comes to increased productivity, cost savings, and improved work-life balance.