When the pandemic struck in 2020, businesses everywhere were forced to go remote or to pay the price. While many companies had the scaffolding in place for remote work, others had to play catch up and fast.
But now that the worst of the pandemic is passed, executives face a series of choices regarding remote work. Is it worth continuing these policies after so much has been invested, or does the in-person office setup still reign supreme?
Perhaps a hybrid model is the best of both worlds, allowing workers to come and go as they choose while still making the most of remote infrastructure. Remote work has plenty of perks to this day, so let’s see why businesses are sticking with these plans for the time being.
Productivity and Output
Studies repeatedly show that remote setups lead to more work getting done at a higher quality rate. Employees tend to be more productive in a comfortable and familiar environment than in a distraction-filled workplace.
This wasn’t always the case, but SaaS technology and communication upgrades have made remote work more feasible for full-time production at home or on the go. Companies can now mobilize entire remote teams to complete projects on the fly, rather than having to coordinate large in-house operations with proprietary tech.
It might be slow-going at first, but when workers get up to speed with remote work practices, the potential for output is unmatched.
Work-Life Balance for Employees
Less time in the office means few (or zero) commutes, fewer unneeded meetings, and reduced bureaucracy in general. All that saved time adds to a better work-life balance for workers and executives, which is suitable for culture and engagement.
When employees have more control over their schedules, they’re more resistant to burnout and can get more done in a shorter timeframe. Even if they work fewer total hours, those hours are better spent, and that efficiency is key to satisfaction.
Today’s remote workers can also take advantage of more flexible scheduling, allowing them to take better care of their health and attend to personal priorities rather than be stuck at the office for 50 hours a week. It’s a win-win for everyone involved.
Hiring and HR Flexibility
There’s truth to the “great resignation” trend, as employees seek jobs with better pay and work setups. Companies better have remote work functionality to attract the best of the best since the smartest, most capable workers tend to prefer this lifestyle and approach.
Onboarding talent is just step one, of course. Remote training and career development are also useful for building employee trust and skill sets. These components add to a more motivated and engaged workforce, leading to better retention and a stronger company overall.
Reduced Overhead (Savings)
When a business goes remote – even partially – the potential for savings is tremendous. Companies no longer need to pay bills for office space, furnishing, hardware, and other workspace necessities.
Even if execs choose to keep a physical office in some form, there are more affordable, alternative options that still save money.
The point is that business leaders are no longer required to keep a real-life workspace up and running, and this frees up capital to take on new challenges and ambitions. Plus, it never hurts to reinvest in a business for future endeavors and pay employees more in the process.
Incentive to Innovate
Innovation is at the heart of any remote work strategy, and companies that push the envelope forward will be rewarded in many ways. This can involve deploying new technologies to help teams work better or even create systems from scratch that surpass the competition.
Better yet, remote work is easier to quantify with metrics and create meaningful workflows that can’t always be facilitated in real life.
Everything from meetings to messages and project management can be tracked to perfection, providing opportunities to improve at every turn.
Better Perks and Benefits
With more cash at their disposal, executives can finally deliver the employee benefits that top workers expect. This could be higher salaries, hourly wages, healthcare, or wellness benefits like gym membership and supplements.
Companies are getting creative with how they reward employees beyond a paycheck. Recognition programs are finally coming full circle, helping workers feel more appreciated despite working remotely.
Employee engagement is an exciting new frontier that will differentiate top firms moving forward, and remote work lays the foundation for these initiatives to thrive.
Tap into the World of Remote Work
There’s a reason why thought leaders and industry innovators like Kevin Miller are pushing for remote work in marketing and beyond. Business leaders, workers, and customers can’t deny the perks, even post-pandemic.
Get on track with your remote work strategy today since all signs point to this trend in the future.
