Remote Work for Employers, the Benefits and Downfalls

Remote work from an Employers Perspective

Remote work has become increasingly popular in recent years, Many employers are now offering flexible work arrangements, allowing employees to work from home or in a location away from the office. There are many benefits to remote work for employers, including increased productivity, lower overhead costs, access to a wider pool of talent, and improved retention and satisfaction.

However, it is important for employers to have the right tools and systems in place to successfully support remote work. This might include providing employees with the necessary resources and equipment, setting clear guidelines and expectations, and establishing regular communication and collaboration channels. By embracing remote work, employers can create a more flexible, productive, and inclusive work environment that benefits both employers and employees.

 

What are the benefits of remote working?

From the perspective of an employer, there are several benefits to allowing employees to work remotely. Some of the potential benefits of remote work for employers include:

  • Increased productivity: Many people find that they are more productive when working from home. Remote work helps employees create a work environment that is tailored to their needs and preferences. This can lead to increased productivity and better results for the company.
  • Lower overhead costs: Employers can save money on expenses like office rent and utilities by allowing employees to work remotely.
  • Access to a wider pool of talent.  Allowing employees to work remotely, employers can expand their pool of potential hires. This can include candidates from other cities or  countries, making it easier to find the best talent, regardless of location.
  • Improved retention: Remote work can be a valuable perk for employees, which can help to improve retention and reduce turnover. By offering remote work options, employers can create a more positive and flexible work environment, boosting retention.
  • Increased employee satisfaction. Remote work can lead to increased employee satisfaction, enabling employees to have more control over their environment and schedule. This can lead to happier, more motivated employees who are more likely to stay with the company.

 

Helping create an inclusive work environment

Remote work can be a good way for employers to create a more inclusive workplace. It can help to remove some of the barriers that may prevent certain groups of people from participating in the workforce. For example:

  • Flexibility: Remote work allows employees to have more control over their schedules. This is especially beneficial for those who have caring responsibilities or other commitments that make working traditional office hours difficult. It also allows people who may have been previously unable to work due to these commitments to enter or re-enter the workforce.
  • Accessibility: Remote work can also make it easier for people with disabilities to participate in the workforce. Reducing worries about commuting or other barriers that may be present in a traditional office setting.
  • Diverse talent pool: Allowing employees to work remotely can also expand an employer’s pool of potential hires. Companies are no longer limited to candidates who live in the same geographic area. This can make it easier for employers to tap into a more diverse pool of talent and create a more inclusive workforce.
  •  Improved retention. Remote work can also be a valuable perk for employees, which can help to improve retention and reduce turnover. By creating a positive and flexible work environment, employers can create a more inclusive workplace and retain a diverse workforce.

 

How can employers make remote working a good experience for their employees?

There are several things that employers can do to make remote work a better experience for their employees. Some strategies for improving the remote work experience include:

  • Providing the necessary tools and resources: To be successful, remote employees need the right tools and resources. This might include a reliable computer and high-speed internet. Companies could also consider software and other tools that allow them to work effectively and efficiently.
  • Communication: Good communication is key to making remote work successful. Employers should make sure that they have systems in place to allow for regular, ongoing communication with remote employees. This might include video conferencing, messaging tools, and other forms of communication.
  • Trust and autonomy: Employers should trust their employees to get their work done and provide them with the autonomy to do so. This means setting clear expectations and goals, but also giving employees the freedom to figure out how to best meet those expectations and goals.
  • Support: Employers should be supportive of their remote employees and make sure that they have the resources and support they need to be successful. This might include providing access to training and development opportunities or offering resources to help with work-life balance.
  • Inclusion: Employers should make sure that remote employees feel included and part of the team. This should be the case even if they are not physically present in the office. Increasing inclusivity could consist of regular team-building activities and other opportunities for connection.

 

What are the best tools available to support remote working?

There are many tools and technologies available to support remote work. Some of the best tools for remote work include:

  • Video conferencing software: Video conferencing software such as Zoom, Skype, and Google Meet. These applications allow for real-time, face-to-face communication and collaboration with colleagues and clients.
  • Project management software: Project management software such as Asana, Trello, and Basecamp. Utilizing these helps teams stay organized and on track by providing a central location for project tasks, deadlines, and communication.
  • File-sharing platforms: File-sharing platforms such as Google Drive, Dropbox, and OneDrive . These provide teams to access and share documents, presentations, and other files from anywhere.
  • Communication tools: Communication tools such as Slack, Microsoft Teams, and Skype for Business allow teams to stay in touch and collaborate in real-time, even when they are not in the same location.
  • Time-tracking software: Time-tracking software such as Toggl, Harvest, and Time Doctor helps teams to track their time and stay on top of project deadlines.

 

By using these tools and technologies, teams can stay connected, organized, and productive even when working remotely. It is important to find the tools that work best for your team and to be willing to try new technologies as they become available.

 

Why doesn’t every company offer remote working?

Not every employer has started offering remote work for a variety of reasons. Some may be hesitant to embrace remote work due to concerns about productivity, supervision, and the potential for miscommunication. Others may be hesitant to invest in the infrastructure and tools needed to support remote work. There are also some concerns about the impact on employee morale and culture.

There may also be specific challenges or constraints that make remote work more difficult for some employers. For example, some jobs may require in-person collaboration or the use of specialized equipment that is not easily accessible remotely.

In addition, some employers may simply be more comfortable with a traditional office setting and may not see the need to change their current approach.

 

What are the challenges of not offering remote work?

Not offering remote work can potentially be a barrier for new employees, as some job seekers may be specifically looking for a company that offers flexible work arrangements such as fully remote work. In today’s job market, many employees place a high value on work-life balance and may be attracted to companies that offer remote work options.

Not offering remote work may limit the pool of potential candidates for a company, as some job seekers may be unwilling to consider a position if it does not offer the option to work remotely. This could make it more difficult for a company to attract top talent and may lead to a less diverse pool of candidates.

That being said, every company is different and what works for one may not work for another. Some companies may find that offering remote work is not feasible or practical, while others may see it as a key component of their employee benefits package.

 

Would a hybrid model be more beneficial for my company?

A hybrid work model, which combines remote work with in-office work, may be a good option for some companies. This model allows employees to have some flexibility in terms of where and when they work, while still providing the opportunity for face-to-face interaction and collaboration.

It is important to carefully consider the pros and cons of a hybrid work model and to have the right tools and systems in place to support it. You can read more about hybrid work models here.