The Advantages of a Remote and Hybrid Workplace

Just a few years ago remote work was a thing of legend. Not many companies allowed it and even fewer embraced it as their company culture. Fast forward a few years and remote, hybrid and multistate workforce is now the norm. Covid-19 forced many organizations to rethink their workforce needs. 

While the pandemic may have accelerated the move to remote and hybrid for many companies, the change has been a welcome one for both employees and employers. From better work-life balance to a better commute as well as the ability to hire from a nationwide employee pool, the benefits seem to be plentiful. 

Let’s explore some of the many benefits of shifting mindsets and workspaces from an in-office scenario to one that is a bit more flexible. 

Wider Applicant Pool 

As workplaces shift to more remote work, employers can (and are) casting a wider net to find candidates that are skilled and able to work remotely. That means organizations are no longer limited by a reasonable commuting area as an employment candidate pool. 

In turn, employees are able to find higher-paying jobs outside of their commuting area as well as save lots of their salary by not having to pay for their commute or wasting precious time in a car, bus, or train. 

One caveat for businesses hiring from multi states is the need to carefully follow employment rules for each state. 

Increased Productivity & Performance 

In years past many employers shied away from remote or hybrid work with the idea that maybe work was being ignored or employees would be distracted by tasks that needed to be completed at home. 

After numerous studies, (drum roll please) the verdict is in. Remote work is more productive and performance is drastically improved. A study published in Forbes during the pandemic showed that “they’re [remote workers] an average of 35-40% more productive than their office counterparts, and have measured an output increase of at least 4.4%.”

Additionally, performance was shown to increase. “With stronger autonomy via location independence, workers produce results with 40% fewer quality defects.”

Improved Work-Life Balance 

Prior to the pandemic, many organizations gave lip service to the concept of providing work-life balance with flex hours or days off for family appointments or school events for parents. 

With the dawn of the pandemic and remote or hybrid work becoming more commonplace, many families have begun to find that elusive home-work balance. 

Cost Effective

Fewer miles on the car or train, less electricity, and resources used at the office, mean cost savings for both employers and employees! Forbes shared with its readers that “Organizations save an average of $11,000 per year per part-time telecommuter, or 21% higher profitability.”

Are you considering maintaining your hybrid or remote working situation and need ideas on changes that will help? Talk to the professionals at the Enterprise Center at Salem State University. 

Categorised in: Blog, employee benefits, employee issues, Employee retention