Remote work is not just a trend or option anymore, but it is the new normal with businesses around the world adapting to this change. It has become increasingly popular over the past year because of the global pandemic that forced many companies to transition their employees to work from home. Remote work, also known as telecommuting or telework, has opened up multiple opportunities and benefits for employees and employers. In this article, we shall examine the benefits of remote work, specifically how it maximizes productivity, and dive into some of the best practices employees can use to optimize their remote work setup.
Flexibility
Flexibility is among the key benefits of remote work. Unlike traditional office jobs where employees are required to work for eight hours a day, remote work offers flexibility in terms of when and where one can work. Employees can work from home, a coffee shop, beach or even a mountain top. As long as they have access to a stable internet connection, they can accomplish tasks assigned to them regardless of where they are. This flexibility is vital in maximizing productivity since employees can work at their most productive times.
By providing remote work flexibility, employees can customize their work schedules based on their energy levels and body clocks. Not everyone is wired to work best in a 9-5 schedule. Some people prefer to work early in the morning, while others are night owls. By offering flexible work hours, businesses empower employees to work on their own terms, resulting in greater job satisfaction and productivity.
Moreover, having flexibility in work hours allows employees to balance their personal and work lives better. The absence of a rigid 9-5 schedule provides employees with the flexibility they need to take care of their family, attend their personal appointments, and pursue a healthy lifestyle without sacrificing their career goals.
No Commute Time
Remote work also eliminates the need to commute, which is one of the biggest benefits of working from home. The average commute time in the USA is around 26 minutes. This time can be put to better use, either by sleeping in, doing some physical exercise or meditation, or getting work done. The lack of a daily commute also means that employees can start their workday whenever they are ready, instead of spending time stuck in traffic.
The time saved on commuting can be utilized to get a head start on work, which proves beneficial in increasing productivity. By avoiding the morning rush hour, employees start their day with a clear and focused mind, without the frustration and fatigue that often comes with commuting.
Increased Time for Productivity
Another benefit of remote work is that it allows employees to use their time more efficiently, which translates to increased productivity. Remote workers can optimize their work schedules to accommodate more work during the most productive hours. This additional time also allows them to take breaks when they are most productive. Breaks are essential for employees to rejuvenate their minds and avoid burnout.
Additionally, remote work provides employees with extra time that they would otherwise have spent commuting, preparing for work or commuting. Time that would have otherwise been spent traveling can be used to complete personal goals, pursue hobbies or other personal interests. Therefore, remote work helps to create a healthy work-life balance, which ultimately leads to increased long-term productivity.
Less Distractions
Remote work means that employees do not have to deal with the distractions that come with a traditional office set-up. Offices can be distracting, with colleagues dropping by to chat, or noisy office spaces making it challenging to concentrate. When working from home, employees can create a space that is conducive to work, with fewer distractions. Even when working from other locations such as a coffee shop, workers can use headphones or find a quiet table to work from.
Additionally, remote employees have more control over their work environments. They can control lighting, temperature and noise levels to create an environment that best aligns with their needs. This reduces the number of distractions, providing workers with a quieter, more peaceful, and more energized environment to complete tasks.
Better Health
Remote work has also been proven to have a positive impact on employee health. A study by FlexJobs revealed that 87% of remote workers felt more connected to their work, while others felt less localized and prone to burnout. According to a study by the Harvard Business Review, remote workers are likely to report lower levels of stress compared to their office-bound counterparts. This is because remote work eliminates some of the stressors that come with the traditional work setup, such as the commute, office politics, and noisy workplace environments.
Remote work also allows employees to adopt healthier lifestyle habits such as eating healthier meals or taking breaks to exercise. When employees have control over their environment, they can make more healthy choices such as meal preparation, using a standing desk, and taking walking breaks. Remote workers are also given the time and flexibility to set healthy habits that they can continue for the long-term, leading to better mental and physical health.
Increased Job Satisfaction
When employees work under a flexible schedule, they are more likely to be satisfied with their work. Flexibility allows remote workers to customize their schedule to fit their life outside work. This balance is vital in creating happier and more motivated workers. Happy employees are more productive, which is good for business.
Furthermore, remote work can improve job satisfaction by providing employees with a greater sense of autonomy and ownership over their work. It provides employees with the flexibility to organize their time while providing the opportunity for regular check-ins and feedback from their supervisors. In addition, remote workers often feel appreciated by their employers, who trust them to get their work done on their own terms.
Reduced Cost for Companies
Remote work also has benefits for companies. Employers no longer need to maintain a large office space for all employees, which translates to reduced rent, utility, and office supply costs. Remote work also opens up the employer to a much larger pool of talent. Since location is no longer an issue, employers can search for suitable candidates from around the world.
Remote work means businesses can increase productivity and reduce costs by permitting their employees to work remotely, harnessing the benefits of a decentralized workforce. This allows employers to expand their pool of potential employees, boost innovation and hire candidates with specialized skill sets which creates a better bottom line for the business.
Best Practices for Remote Work
For remote work to be a success, there are several best practices that employees can follow to remain productive and work effectively:
- Create a designated workspace: A decent workspace is crucial for staying productive. Identify a quiet space free from distractions, set up all the equipment you need, and decorate your workspace to make it more comfortable and personalized.
- Establish a routine: Having a specific routine will help instill greater discipline and set expectations. Create a consistent schedule for waking up, starting work, taking breaks, and finishing work to ensure a healthy work-life balance.
- Learn to prioritize: Time management is crucial to productivity. Determine your priorities and ensure that your work schedule accommodates them first.
- Regular check-ins: Schedule regular check-ins with supervisors and teams to ensure that you remain on task, provide updates on work progress, and receive feedback.
- Communication: Maintaining constant and honest communication with coworkers regardless of how far apart they are is vital to avoid isolation and ensure smooth workflow.
- Time management: Manage work and personal responsibilities by establishing and maintaining a good work-life balance. It is vital to take breaks and avoid constant work to avoid stress and burnout.
Conclusion
Remote work has become a popular trend that offers several benefits to businesses and employees. Its remote work flexibility, no commute time, and increased productivity and job satisfaction, among other benefits. By eliminating office distractions, remote workers have greater freedom to structure their work schedules for optimal productivity. Additionally, remote work allows employers to save on office costs while expanding their talent pool.
However, remote work requires discipline, effective communication, and boundaries to operate effectively. Employees should follow best practices, such as creating a designated workspace and establishing a routine, to maintain their productivity and ensure the work-life balance. Ultimately, remote work offers businesses access to a talented, engaged, and highly productive workforce, providing growth opportunities in the short and long term.