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Let’s be honest: today, most people — or at least, those that have the option — enjoy the comfort of working from home. So much so, that flexible working has become a true deal-breaker when it comes to many candidates applying for jobs.

If you’re not offering remote or even hybrid working opportunities in this inter-connected age, you could be stifling your own business growth — your reluctance to embrace workplace flexibility might be preventing you from attracting new talent, or even creating a less-than-productive environment for your existing team.

If this is the case, it might be time to modernize. Here’s why you should embrace remote working and all it has to offer.

Why should you offer remote working?

The advantages of remote work have been covered extensively, of course, but most importantly, a flexible working environment can contribute to a sense of happiness among your employees. And put simply, when employees are content, they tend to deliver their best work. However, these advantages extend even further.

Remote work can introduce many advantages to your business, whether it’s improving your carbon footprint or even facilitating global expansion by growing your team internationally.

Here’s why you should modernize your workplace and embrace remote working:

Flexible working options are an expectation

Research shows that 98% of workers want to work remotely at least some of the time. Since the influx of remote working procedures caused by the pandemic, the expectations of employees and job seekers have shifted — working 9-5 in an office is no longer a notion they’re simply willing to accept.

It’s important to present yourself as a modern employer if you want to retain and attract talent. Embracing flexible work arrangements not only meets the desires of the workforce, but also demonstrates your adaptability. In a world driven by rapid technological advancements, staying rigid in traditional work structures can hinder growth.

As the landscape evolves, the organizations that flourish are those that acknowledge and embrace the evolving expectations of their workforce. By offering flexible working options, you position your company at the forefront of this positive change, resulting in a more satisfied and motivated team, improved retention rates, and heightened appeal to prospective employees.

Remote work creates opportunities for international growth

Remote work erases geographical barriers when it comes to hiring. No longer confined by location, you can tap into an expansive pool of talent from around the globe. By hiring internationally, you open doors for rapid expansion, which can take your business to a new level (and give existing employees a chance to work abroad).

Who says the very best people in your industry reside in your city or even your country? Embracing remote work opens the doors to a world of expertise that transcends borders and draws from a rich tapestry of backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives, ultimately fostering a dynamic and innovative work environment.

This approach not only bolsters your business’s resilience in a rapidly changing world, but also positions your brand as a forward-thinking global enterprise. As you harness the power of remote work to foster international growth, you’re not just redefining how work gets done but also paving the way for a more inclusive, connected, and prosperous future.

Better work-life balance increases employee retention

Employee retention is linked to a number of factors such as employee happiness, career development, and most significantly, work-life balance. The burden of long commutes, prolonged work hours, and unfair job demands can make work unenjoyable and eventually, drip feed into individuals’ personal lives. The result — your employees looking elsewhere for a role which promotes a healthier balance.

As an employer, it’s your responsibility to ensure your employees feel supported and not overburdened. Introducing greater flexibility through remote working can promote a better work-life balance by reducing burnout and ensuring that employees have enough time to enjoy their time outside of working hours.

Allowing employees to work from home can help in many ways. Perhaps they want to workout during their lunch break, allowing them to feel refreshed when they return to work. Or maybe being at home more often enables more quality time for family, hobbies, and personal interests — remember, no one’s life should revolve entirely around work.

Less time in the office can improve productivity

If you’ve noticed that your teams aren’t working as productively as they could be, perhaps it’s down to their working environment. Being in an office setting can be great for collaboration, but equally it can be very distracting.

Plus, at home, employees can build a work routine that resonates with their unique productivity rhythms, identifying their most productive periods during the day and aligning their tasks accordingly.

If you use tools like ClickUp or Float to track time and manage team resources, it’s a good idea to identify areas where productivity can be improved. Ask your teams directly where they need support. If long commutes are draining valuable energy and time before even starting work or they simply can’t concentrate in the office, consider remote working as a solution.

Greater flexibility makes you an attractive employer

Did you know that over 55% of working parents would consider leaving their jobs if they found another one with more flexibility? By promoting a better work-life balance through remote work, you can establish yourself as an attractive employer that meets the demands of modern work life.

You might be offering great pay, but if the rest of your offering doesn’t match up you’ll end up missing out on the best candidates or waving goodbye to your current employees. It’s simple — people don’t want to be part of a business that fails to offer fair, flexible, and attractive benefits to their employees; and that includes flexibility.

10 ways to prepare your business for remote working

Preparing a business for remote working involves several key steps to ensure productivity, promote effective communication, and safeguard the wellbeing of your employees. Here are ten things you should consider before going remote:

  1. Set Clear Policies: Develop remote work policies that outline expectations, working hours, communication channels, data security, and performance measurement. You don’t want to micromanage your team, but setting some core working hours, for example, can keep everyone on the same page.
  2. Provide Access to Technology: Provide employees with necessary hardware (laptops, monitors, etc.) and software tools (communication, project management, collaboration platforms) to facilitate remote work.
  3. Ensure Data Security: Implement robust cybersecurity measures. This includes secure access to company systems, VPNs, encryption, multi-factor authentication, and regular security training for employees.
  4. Choose the Right Communication Tools: Choose communication platforms that facilitate real-time conversations — such as Slack or Microsoft Teams — to maintain collaboration and engagement.
  5. Enable Remote Onboarding: Develop a remote onboarding process for new hires, including virtual introductions, training, and mentorship.
  6. Introduce Flexible Hours: Consider allowing flexible work hours to accommodate different time zones and individual preferences, promoting work-life balance.
  7. Conduct Regular Check-Ins: Schedule regular one-on-one meetings and team check-ins to discuss progress, address concerns, and maintain a sense of connection.
  8. Explore Wellness Programs: Implement wellness initiatives to support remote employees’ mental and physical well-being. This could include a local gym membership, mental health resources, and ergonomic tips.
  9. Document Processes: Create detailed documentation for various processes, workflows, and tasks to ensure consistency and easy reference for remote employees.
  10. Seek and Provide Regular Feedback: Establish a feedback loop where managers provide constructive feedback and employees can voice concerns or suggestions.

By taking these steps, you can create a robust foundation for remote work that promotes productivity, collaboration, and a positive work environment for your business and its employees.

Remote working may be derided by some high-profile business leaders, but it’s not going anywhere soon. Don’t be afraid of modernizing your business by embracing a remote work model; in the long run, you’ll create a much more enjoyable, productive environment for your current employees and prospective talent.

 

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