It’s a brave new world. With the development of advanced communication methods, including emails, video conferencing, data sharing software and more, it’s now becoming less of an imperative for people to be in a certain place to do their job.
Of course, this has its limitations and doesn’t apply to some professions (fire fighters can’t exactly phone it in). There’s also something to be said for the loss of face-to-face communication and office camaraderie. However, there’s little doubt that remote working can be incredibly efficient for your business. Plus, there’s nothing to say a happy medium of home working and office-based roles can’t be found.
Here’s how remote working can benefit your business
Reduced overheads
The obvious example of financial reward is the reduced costs of providing desk space, light and heat, break out spaces, and furniture of an office. Behind staffing, office space expenditure is most companies’ second biggest outlay. Just imagine cutting this in half over night.
Appearances matter
Of course, most companies will benefit from a physical office space for both staff and client-facing purposes. But by reducing in size, you will be able to focus your energy and finances on creating a working space that suits your branding and company image. Desk sharing combined with remote working can help you to streamline working methods and present an efficient and exciting office environment. You can also focus on making your office safer and healthier for everyone who works there. Compliance with health and safety legislation always means that offices are safe as possible, with required fire prevention technology, evac chairs and escape routes designated offering adequate protection.
Environmentally friendly
Eliminating the need for lengthy commutes and reduced consumption of utilities and physical supplies like paper, all reduce the company’s carbon footprint. One of the major benefits of new technology is the associated positive environmental impact.
Employee satisfaction
Allowing older and more experienced staff to work from home has been shown to improve employee satisfaction. No tiresome commutes and more time to spend with the family makes for happier and more productive staff. Home workers take fewer sick days, reducing the cost of illness to the business. There are also some insurance savings to be had from remote working. A balanced, well-structured office/home-working rotation can have significant benefits for all parties. More cost-efficient operations and happier staff almost always result in a better bottom line. Give it a try and you might be astonished at the results.