At many companies today, the office doors are open—but employees are not always walking through them. Office spaces were only half full in mid-December 2023, according to the Kastle Back to Work Barometer. Even as employers have asked workers to return, the requests have led to mixed feelings and results. Amid employers who implemented a return-to-office strategy after the pandemic, 80% say they would have approached the decision differently if they had access to better data, according to research from Envoy.
Today’s digital tools allow for flexible work arrangements in many industries. When team members are given the chance to log in from anywhere, they frequently embrace the new setup. For companies, there are ample benefits too, especially for those looking to meet employee expectations and move ahead to lead tomorrow.
Here are four reasons to consider letting workers log in remotely:
1. Cost Savings for Organizations
For office space being leased, when the time to renew comes, it might not be necessary. Instead, companies may consider downsizing to a smaller place, or opting for several satellite locations. According to an analysis by Global Workplace Analytics, U.S. companies could save up to $11,000 per employee annually by adopting remote work. With the financial relief from less office space, organizations could allocate resources to other strategic initiatives.
2. A Global Talent Pool
If there are no location restraints for where new hires must live, companies can cast a wider net when searching for talent. A Chicago-based company could tap into an international pool to find the skills needed for certain positions. Companies in one country might be able to offer a broader range of salary options, based on the cost of living in the areas where their workers live. This could potentially reduce labor costs.
It also means that organizations can hire the best experts from around the world, without being restricted to hires that are located within their area. By embracing remote work, companies can access a diverse talent pool as well. This creates opportunities to bring in new perspectives. This can lead to increased innovation and creativity within the organization.
3. Higher Levels of Wellbeing
In today’s gig economy, workers are accustomed to more options and greater flexibility. A survey by OnePoll on behalf of DoorDash revealed that 42% of remote workers envision their ideal schedule as mostly remote. Moreover, logging in from home provides employees the chance to prepare their own meals with fresh ingredients. They may also swap out the commute for a form of exercise, such as taking a neighborhood walk during their breaks.
By working from their home office setups, employees can create a personalized and comfortable workspace that suits their needs, reducing the risk of physical discomfort or stress-related issues that may arise in a traditional office setting. This can lead to improved employee health, resulting in fewer sick days and a decrease in short-term disability cases.
4. Less Turnover Among Workers
If team members are provided with an environment that they enjoy, they may be less likely to look for another job. Among HR professionals, 78% state that flexible schedules and remote working options can help retain workers without spending money, according to Apollo Technical. In a world where employees are used to changing jobs if they are not satisfied, the right workplace arrangement could lead to stability and retention. Workers might feel loyal to a company that provides them the chance to have flexible schedules and work remotely, thereby improving their work/life balance and wellbeing.
Rather than pushing against remote work, employers who include the option may find a longer list of benefits. Over time, a satisfied workforce that doesn’t need to meet in costly locations could lead to lower operational expenses. Organizations have the chance to hire individuals from anywhere, creating access to experts who can bring new voices and diversity to the team. Employees frequently lean into the chance to create a working environment where they are comfortable. This can reduce stress and lower the number of sick days taken. Moving forward, employees will likely continue to expect—and seek out—jobs that offer the flexibility they want to maintain both their professional and personal lives.
