As the world continues to rapidly embrace technological advancements, it’s becoming increasingly important for businesses to adapt to changing work conditions. One work condition that has rapidly grown is teleworking, or remote work. Teleworking simply means working from home or any remote location away from the central office. Teleworking has grown in importance, with numerous employees embracing the idea of working from home especially in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic. However, even before the pandemic, teleworking had proven to be an efficient and beneficial option for both employees and employers. In this blog, we’ll dive into the rewards of teleworking, and why it’s becoming more prevalent.
Increased Employee Productivity and Job Satisfaction
While some may worry that teleworking can lead to a decrease in productivity due to distractions and lack of supervision, studies have shown the opposite. Employees who work from home are often more productive and motivated, likely because of the flexibility it provides. Without the distractions of a bustling workplace and a long commute, employees can focus more on their work and make the most of their time.
One study conducted by a software company, Airtasker, showed that employees who work remotely are more productive than their counterparts in the office. The study showed that teleworking employees worked an average of 1.4 more days per month, adding up to an additional 16.8 days each year. Furthermore, teleworking employees tended to work an average of 10 minutes more per day, which equates to 40 working hours per year.
Moreover, teleworking can also lead to increased job satisfaction. It allows employees to have more control over their work-life balance, leading to fewer instances of burnout or feelings of exhaustion. With teleworking, employees can work in comfortable surroundings, reduce stress, and create a more accommodating work atmosphere.
Reduced Costs
Teleworking can significantly reduce the financial burden associated with commuting to work. According to a report by FlexJobs, teleworkers may save over $4,000 annually by working from home due to reduced costs associated with commuting, wardrobe, food expenses, and other work-related expenses. For example, teleworking employees reduced their transportation expenses such as gas, public transportation expenses, parking fees, and car maintenance, among others. Teleworkers can also enjoy a flexible work schedule, which allows them to reduce child care expenses.
For the company, teleworking can reduce the cost of office space and other overhead expenses. This can lead to significant savings for businesses, particularly smaller ones. Since the physical office does not limit the work location, companies can hire remote workers from low-cost regions to save on labor costs. Teleworking can lead to the need for less physical office space, which can reduce the cost of renting commercial property, utility costs, and equipment usage costs.
Increased Employee Retention
Teleworking can also lead to increased employee retention. Studies show that employees who can work from home are less likely to look for employment elsewhere. This is because teleworking can lead to greater job satisfaction, improved work-life balance, and increased trust from the employer. Companies that offer teleworking options may also have a competitive edge in recruiting experienced, high-performing staff, enabling them to keep workers happy and engaged for a longer period. According to a Gallup poll, teleworkers polled higher on employee engagement and had a lower turnover rate.
Positive Environmental Impact
Teleworking can also have a positive impact on the environment. By reducing the number of employees commuting to work, companies can decrease their carbon footprint and thus contribute positively to the environment. Moreover, if a company reduces its office-space requirements, they can reduce the amount of energy consumption required to run an office space.
Access to A Wider Pool of Talent
With teleworking, companies can tap into a wider pool of talent as the physical location does not limit the ability to work. By offering teleworking options, employers can recruit skill sets regardless of where applicants live, increasing the diversity of the workforce. Furthermore, remote work options can enable the company to access talents from around the world, increasing the potential for achieving a global reach.
Conclusion
Teleworking has numerous benefits for both employees and employers. Teleworking offers flexibility, which translates into better work-life balance, saving employees money and time that would otherwise be spent on commuting to work. Teleworking also offers employers cost savings and enables them to tap into new sources of talent, thereby contributing to the development of a more diverse workforce.
However, the practice has its challenges as well. Teleworking may lead to feelings of loneliness and isolation for some employees. Employers must find ways of keeping employees engaged and providing the necessary resources for teleworking. For example, providing online activities or virtual team-building events can help to maintain a sense of group togetherness, while efficient online communication tools and virtual collaboration platforms can enhance the teleworking experience and maintain productivity levels.
In conclusion, teleworking offers companies a chance to reduce expenses while providing employees a chance to work in a more comfortable and flexible environment. As businesses continue to embrace technology, teleworking will no doubt become more prevalent in the future. We must ensure we make the most of the benefits it provides, while also addressing the challenges.