Remote work is here to stay.
Because of COVID-19, employers quickly needed to establish successful work from home set-ups for their employees.
As the dust settled, what quickly became clear was that employees could be productive and focused when not in the office and, in many cases, even more so.
Employers everywhere have learned that working from home is both productive and benefits the company and its staff. According to recent studies, permanent remote work will be implemented more frequently. Therefore, it is crucial that employers fully understand every aspect.
While remote work has many success stories, to make it work it’s essential to set clear boundaries and policies to ensure everyone is on the same page.
Creating boundaries with remote work
A major benefit of working remotely is the flexibility it offers. However, this can be a negative as well—the more flexible an employee’s schedule, the more attentiveness is required when creating structure and setting boundaries.
Remote work comes with many elements to consider when designing schedules, how work is prioritized and completed, responsibilities to co-workers, and geographic location. Finding a balance that works best for each employee can be a process.
The benefit of remote work for employers
The remote work arrangement can help ensure a better work-life balance, access to more career opportunities, and reduced costs for employees. In addition, there are many benefits for the company, including:
- Increased employee satisfaction and retention.
- A broader pool of talent.
- Cost savings in office space and overhead expenses.
- Increased productivity from staff.
The benefits of working remotely for employees
Remote working has become a new way of life for the workforce. Over the past few years, it has become the ‘new normal’ for many employees. While it is not for everyone, it has created a new lifestyle for many. A few advantages include:
- A better work-life balance – Most remote jobs also come with flex scheduling, which means that staff can start and end their day when and how they choose. This leads to more positive and solid outcomes for employers and their staff.
- Increased productivity and performance – Working from home tends to lead to fewer interruptions, a more peaceful environment, and more efficient meetings. With all these positives, remote workers typically have more time and fewer distractions, resulting in increased productivity.
- Location independence – One of the major benefits of remote work for is having access to a wider range of potential opportunities that aren’t limited by location.
- Cost savings – Studies show that employees who work from home one to two days a week can save around $4,000 per year. Work expenses such as fuel, vehicle maintenance, parking fees, lunches, and more can be significantly decreased.
- A happier life – Remote workers are proven to be happier and more loyal employees. This is primarily because working from home has been shown to lower stress, provide more time for outside interests, and improve personal relationships.
How to stay productive while working remotely
For many, the adjustment to remote work can be a significant change. It’s crucial to adapt and set boundaries to ensure success. Some tips for staying productive include:
- Organize a dedicated office space – Creating a comfortable home office is an excellent benefit of remote work. Whether it is lighting a favorite candle, investing in a more ergonomic desk, or just wanting to be closer to the coffee maker, a successful workspace can be customized to each employee.
- Enjoy your mornings – Another positive of working from home is no daily commute. This is a perfect opportunity to ease into the workday with more free time each morning.
- Make time for activity – Making some time for daily physical activity is crucial when working remotely. Whether it’s a trip to the gym or taking a jog about the neighborhood, exercise has been shown to reduce stress and increase creativity, ensuring a more productive day.
- Dress for success – Research shows that getting dressed for the workday is critical. Most would love to work in their pajamas but getting dressed as if going into the office puts the employee into the work frame of mind.
While the pandemic may have been the catalyst for remote work for employees worldwide, it’s here to stay. The benefits of working from home have influenced so much on a global scale and in such a positive way that it’s the key to the future of careers.
Human Capital Solutions can help employees connect with the perfect remote job or help employers find the ideal candidate. Our mission is to partner with organizations to engage and deploy human capital to achieve desired business outcomes for everyone involved.
Human Capital Solutions consultants develop unique strategies specific to each search request bringing leaders who are innovative, driven, and who possess the competencies to enhance the company’s employment brand in the marketplace.