The instant switch to working from home marked a significant departure from the norm for the majority of businesses.
However, as the practice has progressed from novelty to necessity over the last year, many industries have seen significant success with the new setup.
Could remote working be here to stay as lockdowns ease and businesses prepare for another major shift to the new normal?
Employers have fought it for years, but new evidence suggests that working from home is just as productive, if not more so, than working in an office.
There are several reasons for this, and with good management, working from home can be a long-term business arrangement, whether full-time or part-time – in fact, research shows that many workers would prefer a hybrid system that incorporates both in the future.
Check out these three major reasons why working from home should become part of your company’s routine if you’re considering a post-pandemic culture change that combines office-based work with remote flexibility.
1. Maintaining a healthy work-life balance
Many of us used to believe that the unicorn concept of a work-life balance was a myth.
However, many employees have discovered in the last year that working from home provides them with more flexibility than ever before, allowing them to spend more time with their families, rest and relax, and overall feel better.
As a result, employees are more refreshed and motivated in their jobs, which leads to improved overall job performance (see below).
As an employer, it’s critical to support that work-life balance, and having a workspace that also serves as living space can be difficult for some employees, which is why companies like Homework create remote working setups that are designed to fit comfortably in the home.
Read 6 Home Based Business Ideas.
2. Increased efficiency
As previously stated, many businesses have reported increased productivity since leaving the office.
This is due to the fact that daily distractions such as office noise, coworker interruptions, and impromptu meetings are generally reduced, allowing workers to focus more fully on the task at hand.
While office space is beneficial for collaborative projects, independent tasks can often be completed more quickly and to a higher standard when daily interruptions are minimized.
3. The pool is available for hire
Looking ahead, this is something your company may not have considered, and that is the hiring opportunities provided by a remote setup.
Employers are generally limited to candidates within a local radius who are able to commute on a daily basis when conducting office-based recruitment.
With a remote office, recruiters can look further afield – even if your position only requires one or two office days per week, some candidates will be willing to travel longer distances less frequently.
As a result, there will be more talent available and less difficulty in finding the right person for the job.
These are just three reasons to continue working from home in 2021, whether you take a hybrid approach or ditch the office entirely.
Learn more from business and read How Can Businesses Make Remote Work A Success?