With the current pandemic, more and more organizations are working remotely and having to learn the ins and outs of a successful remote work deployment. While this may be a little uncertain for some companies who are used to having their teams in the same physical location, there’s no reason to fear shifting to a digital workforce. As Denver’s leading PEO provider, we know there are many benefits to working remotely that supersede the adjustments that may be necessary. And in a time when our public health needs are changing daily, having this flexibility is an incredible way to ensure your business can continue operating as close to “business as usual” as possible. Let’s take a closer look at some of the research-based facts about remote workers and how this might work for you.
You’ve heard it before, but it continues to hold true. Because of the flexibility remote work offers, most remote workers are more productive. In fact, in a recent survey reported by Time Doctor, 23% of remote employees indicated they were willing to work longer hours to accomplish more. In comparison, 30% reported achieving more in less time, and 77% confirmed that they are more productive when working from home.
There are fewer distractions outside of the office, and less pressure than you might have with team members or managers just a few feet away, seemingly breathing down your neck. Where there is less pressure, creativity tends to abound. And while some may argue that not being able to bounce ideas and confab with co-workers as organically as you might within an office environment limits creativity, remote work has been in place long enough that there are many ways to counteract that argument. You may not be able to swing by your co-worker’s desk and pull them into a conference room last minute, but you can easily text, call, or slack them for a quick brainstorm session. Thanks to technology, we have the same collaboration tools at our fingertips.
Office space comes at a premium these days, more and more with each passing year. You can expect to pay upwards of $100-200 a square foot anymore, which adds up quickly when you consider you need a minimum of 6,000 square feet to accommodate a team of 50 comfortably. Allowing your team to work remotely gives you the option as an employer to forego having an office space entirely, which could save you more than $500,000 a year. Yeah, more than half a million dollars a year. That’s some serious coin you can use to invest in other critical pieces of your business.
We all know that office jobs are linked to poor health – sitting all day long, not standing or walking around, but what you might not know is that remote workers tend to lead healthier lives. Some of that is complete control over what is in their fridge and what their workspace looks like. But some of it comes from preconceived notions or the pressure of an office environment. When you work remotely, the ability to go for a run or spend 30 minutes walking the dog is much easier conceive and actually do than it would be in an office where your co-workers would see an empty desk for half an hour.
Furthermore, remote workers aren’t dealing with the physical stress of the daily commute, which has been shown to have a tangible impact on health – both mental and physical.
Telecommuters, by the numbers, have a more robust skill set than office workers. 72% have a college degree or higher, and 75% make $65,000 or more, which puts them in the upper 80th percentile. But it’s more than just the paper – degrees or paychecks – it’s their highly-sought-after qualities as well. Remote workers are more likely to have impressive self-discipline and communication skills. Because they know they are competing with a global talent pool rather than just a local one, they are far more apt to educate themselves in a way that allows them to stay at the top of their game and on their toes.
All in all, remote workforces offer many significant benefits and can help build your business, achieve goals, and save money. In a time where a lot feels uncertain, this can be an incredible strength to lean on. If you have questions about how to implement a remote working policy for your organization and how it can improve employee engagement, give us a call today.
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