Could Leveraging Remote Work Benefit Your Operations?

As technology has advanced, we’ve reached the point where work can easily be accomplished outside of the office environment. In fact, just over half of all employees around the world work from home at least one day each week. This only makes sense, as there are a few very appealing benefits to remote work… including for the employer.

Let’s review some of the reasons that remote workers could prove to be beneficial for your operations.

You Can Reduce Your Real Estate Costs

Let’s face it - if your employees aren’t assembling in an office every day to work, do you really need an office? Many businesses have seen significant cost savings result from their ability to downsize or eliminate their need of a shared workspace.

While there are definite benefits to gathering your team under one roof, the cost savings offered by leveraging remote work capabilities are considerable - and there is nothing to prevent you from meeting as a team when needed in a internet-based conference.

Remote Workers Can be More Productive

There are a few reasons that remote workers can demonstrate higher levels of productivity than their counterparts in the office. For one, they don’t need to spend the time and energy that their counterparts do actually getting to the office, allowing them to begin work in a more refreshed mental state. Furthermore, as they are largely in control of their own schedule, they are able to work as they are best able, taking breaks as necessary. This allows them to stay refreshed and engaged.

There’s a Much Larger Talent Pool

While some employees may be willing to relocate for their job, your hiring efforts are largely influenced by the prospects you have in your area. At least, this would be the case, if remote work didn’t present you with new opportunities. Not only does remote work allow you to draw upon talent from different geographic locations, it can also help attract workers who would be inclined to exercise that option - including a surveyed 68 percent of millennials - as well as improve your retention rates.

Clearly, there is some value to be gained from leveraging remote workers. The right habits can only increase this value for your business. Do your best to encourage the following behaviors among any employees who do work remotely:

• Smarter Scheduling - In many ways, a remote employee is responsible for managing their own time, so it isn’t easy for a manager to keep tabs on an employee if the employee isn’t in the office. Encourage your staff to establish a routine and stick to it. This will allow them to optimize the use of their time, and will help the rest of your team know when they are available.
• Establish a Workspace - While many may associate “working from home” with “curled up on the couch with their laptop,” it is far more helpful to designate a dedicated place where work is done… period. Doing so will help condition you and your team to be more productive during the time spent working.
• Dress for the Office - Just because you don’t technically have to get yourself together while working from home, doesn’t mean you shouldn’t do so anyway. Preparing for a day at the office (despite not physically going there) can help mentally prime your team members for a productive rest of the day.

Do you have any past experience leveraging remote workers? Sound off about your experience in the comments, and make sure to subscribe to Computerware’s blog.