What are the benefits of telework?
Remote working is nowadays a common topic for businesses of all sizes. The evolution of communication technology is a key component of the remote work trend, as access to the company from anywhere is available to any worker. As a result, a growing number of companies apply flexible work arrangements. Those programs are beneficial for both the company and its teams.
Benefits of flexible working policy for the company
Global increased productivity
It has been proven that working remotely – partially or full-time – drives workers’ productivity up: better optimization of the timetable as well as fewer distraction while in the home office result in a whole team being more productive. Daily traveling to work is related to stressful situations – like being late for work. Remote working eliminates this problem. Saving time on the commute helps employees to be more effective in their daily tasks.
Cost optimization
Applying a flexible working policy within an organization can bring significant cost reductions. The company can reduce its real estate costs as it will spend less on utilities, office supplies, and room for office/parking space. According to Vodafone UK Survey – UK plc. can potentially save around £34 billion by freeing up desk space and working more flexibly.
Reduced sick days
75% of telecommuters claim they experience lower stress (The IWG Global Workspace Survey). As a result, they are less likely to fall sick and be unable to perform their tasks. Another advantage for the business is that even if someone is mildly sick, they often continue working from home. Office employees take sick leave immediately so they don’t infect their colleagues.
A remote team member takes fewer sick days than his office colleagues.
Many office employees confess they take “fake” sick leave to solve private issues. People can balance their personal and professional tasks with flexible schedules much easier. Achieving a better work-life balance is very important for the employees’ physical and mental health. The home office is a major step towards a harmonious lifestyle.
Improved retention of employees
Companies encouraging telecommuting face increased retention rates by more than 10% (gartner.com). Teleworkers enjoy flexible working hours, which increases their job satisfaction (SJSU Scholarworks). Satisfying their employers and their continuity within the business leads to reduced personnel turnover. Considering that the amount of money invested in a newly hired colleague can reach up to 4000$ (forbes.com), savings are also made by decreasing the number of training for new employees. Remote working shows through all aspects some clear benefits: financial, but also in team spirit.
Worldwide access to talented employees
Thanks to the new means of communication, teleworking is a strategic recruitment tool for any HR department. The company can hire the most talented professionals worldwide, often requiring teleworking as part of their package (flexjobs.com). A business can hit two birds with one stone by recruiting key assets and eliminating the usual accommodation or moving expenses.
Great positive environmental impact
Allowing flexible work helps the business build an image of a socially responsible organization. Many job applicants choose a certain employer if the company applies sustainable policies. This is especially true for the millennials and Gen Z. Employees claim they feel more motivated when working for an environmental-friendly company. Remote working can also be a game-changer in fighting climate change. Transportation is one of the biggest sources of air pollution. Telecommuting can reduce the carbon footprint of many businesses. It contributes as well to energy consumption optimization.
Telecommuters:
• Use Less Gasoline, Energy, Fossil Fuels, Paper, and Plastic
• Reduce Carbon Emissions and Air Pollution *
“Churn rate decreased by 50% among the remotely working employees; they also took shorter breaks, fewer sick days and spent more time working.“
Advantages of teleworking for employees
Thanks to cloud communications, a remote employee is always reachable. This gives him more control and responsibility over his time organization.
Better Work/life balance
Remote employment offers a healthy mix of the personal and professional life of the worker. Surveys show that it is a key factor in improving the work-leisure balance. According to the European Working Conditions survey:
• 80% of respondents prefer to choose their working location
• 86% confirm that better work-life balance is a top reason to ask for flexible working options
Many employees face the problem of managing personal responsibilities and work duties successfully. Trying to avoid this constant conflict causes a lot of stress to them. Remote working supports employees’ personal and family relations. The ability to meet personal commitments greatly impacts employees’ success at work. It stimulates workers’ professional performance and makes them feel fulfilled.
Improved wellbeing
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is important for both employees and employers. It directly impacts a team’s productivity. Flexible work benefits the physical – more sleep, exercise, – and mental – increased social activities, sense of autonomy – health of the telecommuters and improves their wellbeing.
Cost efficiency
Apart from saving time, remote working can be a cost-efficient decision. This is one of the important reasons why many people prefer working from home. The expenses related to daily travel, lunch breaks, or following the company’s dress code are often reduced for remote workers. These savings are considered by many as an actual pay rise. A professional recruiting company has estimated that the annual savings for a remote worker could reach up to $4000. Some employees even choose to move to a city with lower living costs. With the help of cloud telephony, the worker’s presence at the company’s location is not always required as he is always reachable on his office number no matter where he is.
Matching the employee’s individual needs
Teleworkers can create a customized working environment that fits their preferences. It can be a quiet location with toned lighting at home or a coffee shop with natural light and relaxing music. Wearing cozy clothes instead of the company’s strict dress code can help remote team members feel more comfortable and secure while working. Likewise, working surrounded by personal belongings creates a personal and pleasant atmosphere. All these factors result in a positive experience for those who work outside the office.
The new workforce communicates and works in a new way.
There are two major reasons why remote working is a rising trend. The technological revolution and the changed mindset of the new global workforce – the Millennials and Gen Z. Being born in the digital age, they set new standards for employers. They are ready to work hard and be loyal workers – in exchange for more flexible work arrangements. Millennials believe that performance matters and not the hours they invest. Modern communication technology is part of their everyday life.
Companies today have a responsibility to adapt to the rising workforce. Using modern communications, a business guarantees a happy and motivated set of employees. Cloud telephony and team collaboration tools perfectly embrace the work philosophy of this demographic. Millennials and Gen Z are like one with the new technologies and are trying to make the most of them. Employers should provide the teams with the right tools and integrated solutions. This will ensure increased efficiency and productivity of the whole team.
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