So.... it looks as if the majority of office based businesses have now opted for remote working due to the current situation.
When I think 'home working' I conjure up images of big fluffy oversized dressing gown clad ladies with precocious looking fuzzy bunny slippers, donning a green mud face mask and her hair in rollers, (does anyone actually use them any more?!) busily typing away at a computer screen. Alright… for some reason my brain doesn't conger up the same insane imagination moment for a guy..I'll leave that one to you. :)
Why Work Remotely?
I wanted to explore what the reality of a remote working job entails its advantages for both employer and the employee.
Here are my 11 top positive impacts of remote/home working!
1. Productivity
The increase in productivity performance was recorded by a study by Stanford University. During the study over 9 months and 16000 workers it showed a productivity of 13%. The increase can be down to a few factors - fewer breaks and more comfortable surroundings..
2. It increases employee retention.
The same Stanford University research concluded that there was a 50% decrease in attrition as people who worked from home were less likely to leave their employer.
3. It decreases sick days and employee time off.
Some employers wonder if a 'sick day' is becoming something of a past tense. However the lessened risks of bumping into those nasty viruses, let's consider - less contact with public transport, sneezy work colleagues, popping out to lunch, stopping for petrol etc. There are always days where employees don't feel well enough to leave the office, but can work comfortably at home.
4. Workforce diversity is so important with any company. Being able to hire a diverse workforce is paramount and changes your business focus… considerably. You now have a workforce that can work from anywhere in the world. The diversity and culture rich staff is greatly increased.
5. Employers reduce overheads! Employers reduce a marginal cost for day to day business - Heating, air conditioning, water, electric, office rents, insurances… need i say more?
6.Employees reduce overheads!
Employees save too - child care, food, clothing, commuting costs.. and also employees save time (we are talking business after all...time =money).
7. It reduces stress.
That horrible word STRESS even the word makes you feel tight chested...eeek!
Remote workers report better work-life balances, more focus and stress reduction. A study conducted by Owl Labs found that full-time remote workers reported being happier in their jobs 22% more than workers who are never remote.
8. It can help close the gender gap in technology.
It doesn’t matter how much we try to close some gaps in the industry, still in 2020 some jobs are simply less gender equal. In various studies women professionals find it easier with an adequate infrastructure to work remotely. The opportunity to work, pursue career goals AND balance both personal commitments the gap starts to close a little. Ok….. I'm not saying a gender gap will be (poof!) diminished by remote working, for some industries and careers it's just simply not do-able, however it does narrow the gap.
9. The over 50’s Workforce
The CCFC conducted a survey on workers over the age of 50 and resulted that 32.8 percent of respondents are concerned about the impact of ageing workforce on their business. Such concern was reported especially by companies in Agriculture, forestry and fishing (48.7%) and Administrative and support services (44.4%). Respondents from Arts and recreation services reported the least concern (14.3%). The great thing working remotely enables more working capabilities for over 50’s and less stigma base when working through digital technology.
10. Environmental
The impact on the environment is impacted especially in cities - less car emissions leading to improving air quality.
11. Finding Worldwide talent
Talent acquisition simply becomes a world wide search - Can't find the talent and expertise you require in your area? Now the world has now opened up for finding a perfect fit to that open job - a huge range of talent available at the click of a button.
Oh.... and gain in-depth insight into remote workers can be simple too, test, test, test.. know your employee! There are some incredible tools to know the inner working of your employees, it goes further than interview questions..
If you are hiring remote worker you can also take a look at Occupational Testing & Personality Assessments too.
We deliver the Combined Occupational Test User (formally known as Level A and Level B) training course, as a practical and concise BPS accredited programme that will only take 8 half days to complete (with pre and post course (portfolio) work) or 4 full days (different options for delivery course format are possible )
Who is it for?
