Remote working has several benefits, both for employees and employers. Understanding what these are and how to make the most of them can help to make working from home a success for everyone.
In this article, we will explore the benefits of remote working, how it can encourage diversity and inclusion in the workplace, and some top tips for making it work well. Let’s get right into it.
Remote Working vs. Hybrid Working
While there are some similarities, there are also crucial differences between remote and hybrid working. In general, remote working is when an employee works 100% remotely, while hybrid working is a mix of office and remote work.
Both approaches have pros and cons, but ultimately it will come down to what works best for the individual and the company. In addition, there are several factors to consider, such as company culture, type of work done, and communication style.
Benefits of Remote Working for Employees
Becoming the leader your team loves starts with considering the benefits of remote working for employees. The following are some key benefits to factor in.
1. Flexibility
One of remote working's top benefits is its increased flexibility. For employees, this can mean having a more significant say in when and where they work. This can be especially beneficial for parents or carers who must juggle work and childcare commitments.
2. Increased productivity
Contrary to popular belief, working from home can lead to increased productivity. A study by Apollotechnical found that employees who work from home were up to 77% more productive than those who didn't.
3. Improved work-life balance
Another benefit of remote working is the improved work-life balance it can offer. With no need to commute and the ability to create a comfortable working environment, employees can have more time to focus on their personal life outside of work.
4. Reduced stress levels
Another key benefit of remote working is the reduction in stress levels it can bring. Employees can feel more relaxed and less stressed when working from home - this often starts due to not having to deal with a daily commute or office politics.
5. Increased sense of autonomy and control
Finally, remote working can lead to increased autonomy and control for employees. With the ability to create their work schedule and environment, employees can feel more in control of their work-life balance, resulting in increased job satisfaction and motivation.
Benefits of Remote Working for Employers
In addition to the benefits discussed above, there are also several benefits that remote working can offer employers.
6. Increased diversity
One of the key benefits of remote working for employers is the increased diversity it can bring. By offering the option to work remotely, employers can tap into a wider pool of talent from within the country and worldwide. This can lead to a more diverse workforce and a more innovative and creative company culture.
7. Improved retention
Another benefit of remote working for employers is improved retention. Employees are less likely to leave a company if they are happy with their working conditions. Allowing employees to work from home can help to improve job satisfaction and reduce turnover.
8. Greater geographical reach
Being able to increase geographical reach offers employers another reason to consider remote work. With no need to be based in one location, companies can have a more significant presence in multiple markets, leading to increased sales and a more extensive customer base.
9. Reduced overheads
Another key benefit of remote working for employers is reduced overheads. Without the need to rent office space or buy office furniture, companies can save money on their running costs. This can lead to increased profits and a healthier bottom line.
10. Increased ability to attract top talent
Finally, remote working can also help employers to attract top talent. The best candidates are often not limited by geography in today's competitive job market. By offering the option to work remotely, employers can tap into this global pool of talent and attract the best and brightest employees worldwide.
Tips for Being Inclusive With Remote Workers
Making remote work a success can be daunting, but with careful consideration and the right tools in place, it's doable—and the benefits are worth it.
Here are some tips to get this done in a more straightforward fashion.
1. Encourage regular communication
Communication is always essential for a team's success, but it becomes even more crucial when members are working remotely. To ensure everyone is on the same page, encourage regular communication through video conferencing, chat platforms, and group messaging apps.
2. Schedule dedicated time for team building
Since remote workers don't have the opportunity to bond with their colleagues in person, scheduling dedicated time for team-building activities is essential. This can include virtual happy hours, online games, or anything else that helps co-workers get to know each other better.
3. Use technology to facilitate collaboration
Several tools and technologies can help remote workers collaborate effectively. These include project management platforms, online whiteboards, and screen-sharing software. Using these tools allows team members to stay organized and aligned on projects, regardless of where they are located.
4. Be aware of different time zones
When working with a team of remote workers, it's essential to be aware of the different time zones they are in. This will help you to schedule meetings and deadlines in a way that works for everyone. It's also important to remember that not everyone will have the same hours available to work, so be flexible when possible.
5. Respect each other's schedules and commitments
Lastly, respecting each other's schedules and commitments is essential. When scheduling meetings or deadlines, be mindful of the time differences and ensure everyone has ample time to complete the task. Just because someone is working remotely doesn't mean they are available 24/7.
Conclusion
There are many benefits of remote working, both for employers and employees. Employers can tap into a global pool of talent, reduce their overheads, and increase their geographical reach by offering the option to work remotely. Meanwhile, employees can enjoy increased flexibility, improved work-life balance, and the ability to work from anywhere in the world. However, it's essential to be aware of the challenges that come with working remotely and take steps to overcome them.
If you want to learn more about how to create inclusion in both a remote and hybrid workforce, then our 1-hour inclusion workshop is a great way to start. You will leave this workshop with a practical approach to creating an inclusive workplace that works for everyone.
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