Dealing with the new normal – working from home, being physically isolated from colleagues, and managing the necessary technologies dictated by remote work – was not a choice but an immediate necessity as workers and office managers found it difficult to adapt.
Yes, the rush to get workers to access all the tools they need to work from home was sudden for many employers. But once everyone is settled, what has quickly become evident to many office teams is that employees can be productive and focused when they are not in the office – even more so in many cases.
With an increase in the number of employees working from home – or using their home as a base to work for at least part of the week – it’s clear that there are several benefits, such as:
Freedom and flexibility
Working from home ensures greater efficiency and flexibility in the organization of work. When employees are no longer bound to the office, they may be better positioned and more willing to work flexible hours, for example, earlier or later in the day or even on weekends.
Remote workers value their freedom. They plan their day to suit both work and home life, as long as they spend the appointed hours at the right time. Going to medical appointments, watching a children’s basketball game, or taking their elderly parents’ shopping can ease the burden.
Better work-life balance
The possibility of remote work ensures a better balance between work and private life. Working outside of the office can make you feel in control of your life and have more time to plan for both work and homework.
Workers who would have to commute will now be able to use this time for themselves, laying the foundations for a better work-life balance. They can also fit in with the housework during the workday, giving them more free time in the evenings.
Better employee retention
Remote working can help retain employees since the flexibility of working from home can help them meet childcare needs, shorten commuting times, and match work with personal life. As remote work builds loyalty, it also leads to employee retention as employees will not look for another job if they are satisfied with where they are.
By allowing them to work from home, employees will experience an increased level of trust from the employer, significantly contributing to employee loyalty. This is a cost-saving for the company as it avoids new hires and also retains skills.
Increased productivity
Productivity is essential to the development of an organization. And productive employees mean more efficiency and more profit. Working from home provides an interruption-free environment that can facilitate more concentrated work due to fewer interruptions that generally occur in an office environment.
You may also find that employees will work longer because they can also use their time saved on commuting earlier, later, or both. Likewise, a quick meeting on the internet is much more effective than anyone who hits the conference room, as it takes 10 minutes to start a meeting and then run back in time.
Technology
The internet has enabled employees to stay connected to the office constantly, and there is no excuse for businesses not to reap the benefits of working remotely. Internet connectivity and an excellent digital workplace platform mean employees have access to all the applications they need for their work.
Tools like Skype have made communication between colleagues and teams much more accessible and can sometimes lead to more efficient and effective meetings. And there is no reason to be in the office as you can even place employee profiles and social applications on a modern intranet, making its use more desirable.
Reducing absenteeism
Workers are more likely to feel happier and more energetic working from home, and therefore less likely that burnout is adversely affecting their immune system. Even if employees feel a little unwell, they are more likely to continue working if they work from home.
This also applies to free time for meetings or events. If an employee can plan his day as per their work, he will not take unnecessary time off. Also, employees working in isolation at home are less likely to receive an infection than in an office environment.
Improves health and well-being
Commuting to the office every day is not the healthiest way to spend your time. This time saving also allows employees to get additional health benefits, such as extra sleep, spending more time with family, exercising, or preparing healthier meals.
Remote workers also have the advantage that they have no contact with others (which is highly crucial in the light of Covid-19) and pick up unwanted germs due to coughs and colds.
Saving money
Going to work can be costly. You have travel expenses, parking, lunch, coffee and snacks, work clothes…the list is endless, and working remotely can save you much money every day. This means more disposable income for other things, which is always good.
Savings do not only apply to employees. Companies can redistribute budgets and save on operating costs. As more and more organizations have started allowing employees to continue working from home after the pandemic, they will also see significant long-term cost savings.
The coronavirus pandemic has given some employers, who would otherwise not consider working from home for employees, practical insight into how this affects their business and employees. While the pandemic may have been a catalyst for remote work for many millions of employees worldwide, but it is not the only reason why working from home is worthwhile.
Indeed, the benefits of working from home affect many things on a global scale. This experience can be very beneficial in guiding you in the future direction of your work placements.
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