If you want your customers to have a positive experience, you must first focus on your employees. These days, that means allowing employees to choose where and when they work.
According to some estimates, by 2025, 70% of the global workforce will be working remotely at least five days per month. However, many business leaders are hesitant to offer remote or hybrid work options for fear of employees becoming distracted and unproductive while working from home. If you fall into this category, you should reconsider your position.
Cost of saying no to remote work flexibility
Jill Chapman/ Shutterstock | One of the secret benefits of using remote workers is that the work itself becomes the yardstick to judge someone's performance
Companies that refuse workplace flexibility will almost certainly pay the price. For example, Apple has recently come under fire from employees for attempting to compel employees to return to the office, in contrast to Twitter and Google, which support longer-term remote work changes.
This clear preference for flexible work is consistent with a May poll conducted by Morning Consult and Bloomberg News. Nearly 40% of U.S. adults would consider quitting if their employers were not accommodating of remote work.
Jill Chapman/ Shutterstock | Don't be afraid to give your best to what seemingly are small jobs
More than a workplace perk, the concept of working from anywhere at any time is a key driver of future work policies. To attract and retain top talent, you must give your team a sense of trust and value to drive further efficiency and success within your organization. Remote work policies can really make a difference in a candidate's career path.
As technology advances, more tools become available to assist teams in staying connected and collaborating virtually, rendering the traditional business model obsolete.
Benefits of remote work
Freedom and flexibility
Remote workers value their independence. They can schedule their days to accommodate both their work and personal lives, as long as they complete the required hours on time. It can help to have the flexibility to attend medical appointments, watch the kids' basketball game, or take elderly parents shopping. Not having to ask for special permission or fit in with other team members also relieves stress. When an employer allows employees this level of autonomy, it fosters trust and increases job satisfaction.
Increased productivity and performance
Telecommuting usually results in fewer interruptions, less office politics, a lower level of noise, and fewer (or more efficient) meetings. With no commute, remote workers typically have more time and fewer distractions, resulting in increased productivity, a significant benefit of working from home for both employees and employers.
Jessica Howington/ Flex Jobs | Focus on being productive instead of busy
When done correctly, remote work allows employees and businesses to concentrate on what really matters: performance. Unfortunately, the workplace can produce "false positives," which can lead to bias and favoritism. After all, while arriving early and leaving late may appear to be more work, actual performance is a far better indicator of productivity.
Less commute stress
Another advantage of working remotely for employees is the ability to work from any location. People are not forced to live in a city that does not meet their standards or preferences, which reduces the need for unnecessary travel. If a spouse is required to be based or assigned in a specific location, remote working allows partners to keep their job or, at the very least, ease the transition period.
Working remotely means that it makes no difference whether you live on top of a mountain or near the sea. You can work from anywhere in the world as long as you have a good internet connection.
