Working from home or working remotely is a concept companies react to quite differently. Often there is a set policy in place that prohibits this arrangement and other times it comes down to not having the right protocols in place to effectively manage workers who are not in a traditional office setting.

Let’s explore some benefits of creating a culture that includes working remotely whether full-time, part-time or as needed.

Improved Productivity

Improved productivity is hugely overlooked when considering allowing employees to work remote. A common misconception is that remote workers are distracted by household comforts or chores. I challenge you to talk to someone who works from home and ask them about their day.

What you’ll hear is that they end up working more hours in a day than they would have if they were required to be in the office. Although they are putting more time in, remote workers tend to be happy and healthier, because of the improved work/life integration remote working arrangements offer.

Key Takeaway: 55% of remote workers take fewer than 15 days of vacation per year. Source: Buffer

Remote workers take less time off; they are free from the barriers of that commute many of us have and are sensitive to the belief from others that they aren’t working as hard as their counterparts in the office and thus, tend to overproduce to counteract this bias.

Improved Loyalty

If you are an employer that is open to allowing employees to work remotely, your employees will appreciate and respect this trust. Remote worker value the flexibility of working off-site and consider it a perk of their employment. By combining confidence, flexibility, and perks, remote workers are less likely to look for a new position, and you’ll often find them to be more loyal given the arrangement.

Key Takeaway: Remote workers lead to 25% less turnover. Source: JobFairing

Improved Diversity

When a job isn’t tied to location, you have access to a larger and global talent pool. By removing the geographic barrier, you’ll build a more diverse pipeline. With flexibility being the top priority for many, offering remote opportunities will appeal to individuals looking to rejoin the workforce, candidates with family commitments and those who have commuting obstacles.

Key Takeaway: Workplace Diversity is Good for Business. Source: Inc.com

There many other considerations that companies and hiring managers need to keep in mind when contemplating work from home opportunities. There are also an array of tips and resources for what makes someone successful at working from home. It isn’t for everyone, and you’ll need to be realistic about the pros and cons. Yes, there are cons; it’s not always easier.

If you have remote positions, you are looking to fill, or you are considering starting a job search that offers remote opportunities, contact a member of our talent team to figure out what’s right for your situation.