Sometimes, working from home can sound like the perfect solution. The advancements made in the field of technology in the past decade have made it possible for many to work for companies located half across the globe. Without them, it would not be possible to work in many fields that have become so popular in recent years, let alone work from home. All you need is a reliable internet connection and a decent computer, and you can find jobs literally on hundreds of online hubs.
However, working from home has its downsides as well, and not only for the employee. As an employer, the big question is, should you allow your teams to work remotely?
If you are the type of business owner who likes to keep track of everything, and you prefer being able to walk into someone’s office and talk to them face to face about the new marketing strategy, you may find it difficult to have your people working from their own living rooms. However, there are many benefits to consider. Yes, some people may use the opportunity to slack off, but you can easily see who’s more productive and who is taking time off.
You will need to set up a few things though. First of all, taking care of the payroll should be at the top of your list. After all, your employees might be living in a different town. Next, you will need a reliable project management app that everyone can use, as well as a reliable means of communication. Once you have all that in place, you can enjoy the benefits of having your team work from home. Here are some of them:
More Flexibility
When working from home, employees can be much more flexible. They may still have set working hours, but they will not lose any of them on the commute, nor will they have to get up earlier to prepare for leaving the house. They can sleep longer, spend a bit more time with their family, and get to work at 9 sharp, just by sitting down at their desk. There is no fear of being late, they just have to get up on time.
Productivity Improvements
Employees tend to feel more relaxed and comfortable at home. They don’t need to worry about a dress code and getting along with everyone, there is no rush hour traffic, and they can just be themselves and focus on the work, without the office distractions. Studies have shown that working from home can increase productivity by 13%, which can even allow for shorter working hours in the long run.
A Better Work-life Balance
Today’s business world puts a lot of pressure on the employee. Managers and CEOs expect everything to be done on time, and don’t care about the toll it can take on their team. The rising pressure can lead to burnout and a complete lack of motivation. This can in turn lead to putting in longer hours, a disruption of the employee’s social life, and then productivity has nowhere to go but down the drain. If you allow your employees to work from home, they can achieve a better work-life balance, and stay motivated and focused on the task at hand.
Saving on Office Space and Office Supplies
If the majority, or even all of your employees are working from home, you will need less office space. You will need to establish a location for meetings, but you can use a co-working space for that, or simply do everything via conference calls. This will save you a lot of money on the utility and maintenance bills alone, as well as the office supplies and the coffee bills. In fact, if you manage to find the right set of tools, you won’t even notice your teams are working remotely. All you will need to do is ensure they are all communicating well with each other and with you.
Better Employee Engagement
By offering the option of working from home, you will let your employees know that you care for their well-being. This will in turn make them more engaged and invested in your company and goals. They will be more productive, and more importantly, more efficient, because they will know how to appreciate the benefits they have.