Do businesses feel intimidated by remote working? Yes, there is a chance they do.
It is easy to understand why many business owners dislike the remote working notion. Such owners believe reporting to an office is the most significant part of the whole work experience, and those who work from home are most likely to procrastinate and lose focus, getting less work done. It is understandable why they think like that. However, the facts tell us a complete opposite narrative.
According to the recent study, Stanford University conducted; there is a 13% increase in the efficiency of employees’ remote working.
Moreover, COVID-19 was a lesson for many organizations, as it let them learn how many employees work perfectly and efficiently from the convenience and safety of their homes.
The business owners who still have doubts about their employees remotely working should consider the following key advantages.
Decreased Employee Stress Levels
The fact that working is a highly stressful experience is nothing new or hidden.
Of course, a part of the stress employees face is the heavy workload and excessive hours they have to put in. But, a decent amount gets linked to the employee having to work according to their employer’s schedule.
In traditional office jobs, people have to get up early in the morning to beat the rush hour, commute to work, navigate interoffice politics, and do many other awkward tasks. Most people are living life like this.
On the other hand, people working from home have a healthier work and sleep schedule and can get their work done in a more relaxed environment.
Remote working does not mean the employee does not interact with bosses or their colleagues. It just means they can interact with them, without being present physically and without the stress of power struggles and internal groups.
Honestly, we work in a culture where everyone believes “work or die,” meaning if you do not get torn by working yourself, you are simply not working hard as you should.
It is not surprising that this mindset is the main reason employees face stress, anxiety, and depression.
Employees working from home still have to complete their duties and tasks, so they’re not totally stress-free. However, they have drastically reduced stress levels and managed their work better.
Increased Employee Loyalty
There are many workforce members who feel they do not get valued or appreciated by their employers as much as they should.
Nonetheless, if any team member feels they are not getting recognized or appreciated for the work and effort they are putting in, they are most likely to pursue any other opportunity coming their way.
The fact is, as an employer if you do not show your team members loyalty; you cannot expect them to show loyalty to you. So, if the employees see no real reason or advantage of staying associated with your business, it’s only logical for them to seek other employers and workplaces.
On the other hand, a way to keep employees and get their loyalty is by providing them with an option to work from home; if they wish to do so.
Let us say one of your employees might get offered a better position and higher pay from somewhere else but without the option of having to telecommute. They will be hesitant to accept it.
Why? Because working remotely gives people a chance to work flexibly and there is really less chance they would give it up.
Moreover, many workforces’ members are quitting their jobs as they do not want to go to their old office-going routine. The better an employer treats their employee, the more loyal and likely for them to stick around.
Reduced Operational Expenses
Adopting the remote work culture can be a blessing for the financial side of a business. The reality is, the fewer employees working from an office, the less money you will have to spend on various utilities, work supplies, and refreshments.
Moreover, with fewer team members working from an office, you can think about renting out even a smaller office space. It would make no sense to rent out a large workspace when most of the employees prefer to work from home. It would be a waste of money.
You can use online business analysis tools to get a better sense of how much money you can save in your business with employees working from home.
Many business owners did not like the idea of remote work. However, even they got forced to adapt to it and change their thought during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Some are even keeping this and making it a normal thing even after the pandemic situation has gotten resolved.
You should consider and discuss remote working with your employees to see what they think and adapt to it, as there are many benefits to it.