Over the last few years, the work landscape has shifted dramatically with companies moving from traditional office environments to embracing remote working cultures. However, as businesses continue to navigate the evolving landscape of work, the stigma surrounding remote working remains with a significant barrier to fully embracing this modern way of operating.
According to new data from the CIPD, over 80% of organisations in the UK are currently offering hybrid working arrangements, with 52% requiring employees to be physically present in the workplace for a set number of days, usually two or three days per week. A recent Forbes study also found that 98% of workers want to work remotely at least some of the time, and that 16% of all companies are now taking on a fully remote approach.
Despite this growing trend, there are still many employers who believe that working from home is creating a generation who are ‘not doing proper work potentially affecting overall productivity. This has resulted in some companies such as Amazon, Boots and JP Morgan calling time on remote working policies, requiring their head office staff to return to the office every day.
This resistance to remote working overlooks the numerous benefits it can bring to both employers and employees alike. Here are the top five benefits of hybrid and remote working that employers should consider.
- Increased Productivity
Despite common misconceptions, remote work often leads to heightened productivity due to the flexible environment it offers. Recent research shows that 77% of those who work remotely at least a few times per month show an increase in productivity, with 30% doing more work in less time and 24% doing more work in the same period of time.
The absence of typical office distractions such as unscheduled conversations or sudden meetings allows for more focus and better quality work. This also empowers employees to create routines that best suit their individual work style, benefiting both them and the business.
- Attracting and Retaining Talent
In today’s workforce, many individuals see remote or hybrid working as essential and often look for this as a requirement when applying for jobs. In fact, recent research shows that 80% of women and 69% of men consider remote work one of the most important factors when searching for employment opportunities.
It’s also a highly valued factor that keeps employees retained within a business, with 52% of men and 60% of women stating that they would rather quit than return to the office full time[5].
By offering employees the flexibility of remote or hybrid working, companies can access a wider pool of talent beyond geographical limitations and are able to attract more diverse candidates.
- Improved Employee Wellbeing
Remote and Hybrid working can have a positive effect on employee wellbeing as it allows for a better work-life balance and provides employees more control over their work environment. The hybrid and remote approaches reduce the strain of long daily commutes and allows for a greater focus on personal wellbeing which in turn allows employees to perform better and reduce the risk of burnout. Research shows that hybrid workers have experienced reductions in tiredness (79%), stress (78%), and anxiety (72%), with 86% of respondents believing they manage day to day life more effectively[6].
With its positive effect on employee wellbeing, employers can expect a happier, more engaged workforce and better productivity across the team.
- Higher Job Satisfaction
The trust and autonomy associated with remote work can lead to overall higher job satisfaction. Traditional office settings often have rigid schedules and micromanagement, which can contribute to burnout and dissatisfaction. However, remote and hybrid work arrangements offer employees more control over how and when they complete their tasks.
The ability to design their own schedules empowers workers to manage their time in a way that best suits their personal lives and productivity rhythms. This flexibility can be particularly beneficial for those with long commutes, or other personal obligations.
- Enhanced Diversity
Finally, hybrid and remote working also allows for a more diverse and inclusive workforce. It gives businesses the ability to hire from different parts of the world which can create teams composed of varied cultural, regional and socio-economic backgrounds. This diversity can lead to richer discussions, innovative solutions, and more inclusive company culture.
Remote and Hybrid working structures can also be very appealing to neurodivergent individuals which widens the talent pool for businesses looking to recruit. For neurodivergent employees, such as those with ADHD, autism and sensory processing disorders, traditional office environments can often be overwhelming or challenging due to factors such as noise, bright lighting and increased social interaction. With around 15-20% of the world’s population having variants of neurodivergence, it’s a good way for employees to ensure their more inclusive and have a diverse workforce, which brings lots of benefits to the business as a whole.
*Guide from Pushfar
www.pushfar.com
