Since the pandemic, more organizations have ditched the traditional on-site working model for hybrid and remote working to facilitate workers and ensure that business goes on as usual.
But as the world reopens, managers and business owners are worried that they might be unable to reach pre-pandemic productivity with remote workers.
Is your company doubtful about remote work? Are you fearful that remote work will impede the efficiency of your employees? If yes, we’ve got some good news for you.
According to Owl Lab State of Remote Work 2021, 90% of employees claimed to be more productive when working remotely than in the office.
But that’s just the start. Let’s explore why employees prefer to work remotely and how it might benefit the business.
Most employees are pretty content working from home. The Owl lab report also reveals that 84% of people are happier doing remote jobs, and some are willing to accept a pay cut.
The following are some factors that play a significant role in employees’ happiness as they work remotely:
Work-life balance plays a crucial role in employee well-being and trust in organizational values. It improves their mental and physical health, leading to optimal performance. Moreover, remote work can help prevent burnout, stress, and anxiety, so the employees are happy and healthy and can better focus on their work.
On the other hand, having no work-life balance is often why employees quit their jobs.
Traveling to work is one of the most hectic and time-consuming facets of work-life. The unexpected traffic, high costs for conveyance, and the pressure to wake up early to reach on time can take a toll on mental and physical health and impact employee productivity in the long run.
However, when your teams are remote, these issues no longer exist for them, which means they are better able to perform well.
In the conventional on-site work life, people spend a considerable amount on things that do not matter in terms of productivity. However, remote workers can save $6,000 to $12000 annually.
Fuel, commodities, and healthcare are an expensive burden on Americans. Add to this the time wasted going to and from work, and you have a major money drain on your hands. Moreover, other costs like clothes, eating out, and fines that employees have to pay for on-site work also take a toll on their pockets.
But remote workers are happier because they save on fuel, car maintenance costs, and time spent on commute, resulting in significant savings.
One of the best parts about remote work is that employees can work from anywhere they want; they only require a laptop and an internet connection.
Flexibility is also crucial to employee well-being and happiness. Unfortunately, on-site employees do not have this luxury; they cannot work from different places or relocate easily.
Another factor that plays an equal role in creating a healthy and happy environment for the employee is flexibility with respect to time. People who work on-site have less flexibility as their check-in, and check-out timings are fixed.
Who doesn't love spending time with friends, family, or pets?
Remote work allows workers to spend more time with people and things that matter to them the most. Having them by your side is a guaranteed way to boost happiness.
The message is clear: Remote working effectively boosts happiness, health, and work-life balance. So it's no surprise that work-from-home has become the default for many businesses, helping them save on rent, supplies, and energy bills while employees get a chance to balance work and personal life.
Employers who fail to understand the global sentiments around telecommuting risk creating a less engaged and, therefore, less productive workforce.
The fact of the matter is that people are happier and more satisfied with their jobs when they get to choose where and when to work. This way, they get to structure their time to maximize productivity.
Therefore, if you want to craft a culture of trust and loyalty in your employees and avoid losing top talent, consider offering them flexible and remote work opportunities.
It saves costs and improves your physical and mental well-being. Moreover, the experts at Definity First are making remote work easy and accessible to employees and employers. Contact us today to enjoy the perks of a remote job.