Remote work has become the norm for many companies over the past two years. Once the pandemic hit, offices were abandoned, and employees became accustomed to Slack messages, Zoom meetings, and working from home. Many may think the transition favours the employee more than the employer; but the reality is, remote work benefits employees and employers alike!
How workers (and companies) benefit when employees work remotely
Remote work has had a largely positive impact – improved employee satisfaction, productivity, and profitability, for example. But how exactly does it benefit both employees and employers?
Here are five ways that remote work is mutually beneficial for the company and its employees.
1. Reduced expenses
For employers
With the move to work from home (WFH), employers can save costs in the areas of travel and office space. Typically, employers will offer their commuting employees travel allowances to cover costs such as gas and public transportation fees. Office spaces also run up a hefty tab, with employers having to pay lease/rent, internet fees, and in some cases, utility bills. There’s also cleaning and building maintenance fees in order to keep the space spic ‘n span, and the cost of technology and software for materials used in-office. Some employers will also fill the office with perks like office snacks and drinks – all of these costs add up! But with the transition to remote work, employers can cut out this spending. Many have opted to offer WFH stipends instead, to help their teams make themselves more comfortable in their home office.
For employees
Saving costs on travelling is an obvious benefit for employees that have transitioned to remote work. But on top of this, employees also save money on “work attire”, or clothes that are deemed appropriate and suitable for the office. Working in-office can also mean spending money on coffee and/or lunch during the work day, and parking; these costs are eliminated through homemade meals and lack of commuting (unless you count the move from your bed to your work desk!). And for employees that have children, the cost of childcare is reduced, as parents can spend more time at home.
2. Increased efficiency
For employers
Productivity is essential to the success of a company, and remote work has proven to be a step in the right direction. Less time is wasted in virtual meetings as there’s no need to wait for latecomers, or to “get settled”. There is also a decrease in “water cooler talk”, or non-work conversations – while these interactions are crucial in building a strong, collaborative team, sometimes, they can get out of hand and take away from overall productivity.
For employees
In the case of employees, WFH unlocks new levels of productivity as they are able to build their own schedules and work when they are most motivated. There is also less distraction; in-office buzz and bustle can often interrupt employees’ workflows.
3. Improved hiring processes
For employers
The talent war is something most employers are aware of by now: many companies are struggling to hire and retain high-performing, qualified candidates. But with the transition to remote work, employers benefit through a larger potential talent pool. Remote work means employers aren’t confined to recruiting candidates in their specific locations. Many companies have moved to hiring nationally or even globally, opening up the chances of finding the best person with the right skills for the role they are looking to fill. In addition, remote work eliminates relocation costs, in cases where the perfect candidate is not located near company headquarters – this expense can reach up to thousands of dollars!
For employees
On the flip side of things, remote work enables employees to search for roles that may be outside of where they reside, opening up the chances of finding the right position and company for them. And if they find that perfect role, they won’t have to leave their home, family, and friends behind to relocate.
4. Flexibility, adaptability, and freedom
For employers
Remote work increases employee satisfaction as it allows for more flexibility and autonomy for employees. Not having to commute, getting to stay in their own space, and having more time back for themselves makes employees happier and more engaged, which ultimately leads to higher productivity. Put plainly, employees that are given the freedom to work from home often feel more satisfied and motivated to do good work for the company.
For employees
Remote work offers employees a better work-life balance. Employees are able to spend more time with family, avoid getting up early or arriving home late due to commuting, and don’t have to worry about having time to take a break. WFH gives employees autonomy in creating their own schedules so they can work when they feel best. It also means employees are able to adapt better to changes in their own lives, especially when it comes to appointments, family matters, and mental health; being able to deal with these things when they arise puts employees in a better state to work.
5. Technological advancement
For employers
The move to remote work has encouraged employers to look for technology that allows them to connect their teams and tasks online, for meetings and collaborative projects. The demand from employers for this type of technology has led to an overall increase in technological advancement. Tech companies are having to adapt to the needs of the future of work, meaning many great features and products are being released. But how does this benefit the employer? Technological advancement means companies are able to do more than they could’ve ever imagined, all with a couple of clicks!
For employees
In the same way, technological advancement benefits the employee as they now have access to a wide range of features that streamline their work. The use of these technologies also adds a suite of fresh skills to employees’ resumes, which contributes to their professional development.
Remote work that works better with Humi
Remote teams need systems that streamline their processes in one place. Humi is an all-in-one platform that keeps your HR tasks organized, with modules for recruiting, onboarding, employee records, performance management, and more.
To discover how we can help your remote team work better, book a call with us today.
