Full-time telecommuting allows employees to work from home or another remote location during all scheduled working hours. This option is perfect for those who prefer to work alone and are comfortable with virtual workplace tools.
For employees who must care for young children or elderly relatives, telecommuting eliminates a stressful daily commute and gives them the opportunity to attend medical appointments without interruption.
1. Flexibility
The flexibility offered by telecommuting options makes it easier to accommodate personal issues like child care and elder care. In addition, it saves businesses money from paying for office space and utilities.
Those who work from home also don’t have to deal with stressful commutes. That allows them to spend more time on their personal lives, which helps boost their productivity.
Whether they’re night owls who love to sleep in or early birds who like to get their work done before other people wake up, telecommuters can create a schedule that’s best for them. It gives them the freedom to finish tasks when their brains are at their sharpest and avoid distractions. This boost in productivity can help them reach their goals more quickly and meet or exceed business expectations.
2. Increased productivity
With the right technology and communications tools, remote work can be just as productive as in-person meetings. However, it is important to keep in mind that working from home can lead to isolation. In addition, it can be difficult to maintain a sense of teamwork when employees aren’t together in the same room.
With so many Americans pursuing a work-life balance, telecommuting options are becoming the norm. Providing flexible schedules allows employees to make doctor’s appointments and attend other personal obligations without missing important work, increasing morale and productivity.
Telecommuting options can be offered on a full-time basis or only for certain agreed days, depending on what works best for your company. Providing these options can also help you to retain top talent and reduce office space expenses.
3. Better work/life balance
While working from home may sound tempting, it is not an option for every job. Some positions, such as security guards and transportation workers, require a certain level of physical presence. But if you have the right communications tools, such as cloud phone systems, it’s possible to create remote work opportunities that meet employee needs.
Many employees enjoy a flexible work schedule and the ability to focus without workplace distractions like gossip or loud conversations. Additionally, some people are more productive in the morning or at night, and telecommuting allows them to work when they are most effective. This arrangement can lead to improved work/life balance and higher morale. Employees also feel more loyal to companies that allow them to work from home or at other offsite locations.
4. Reduced stress
Working from home reduces stress by eliminating the need for commute time and public transportation delays. Plus, remote workers can work in their own homes where they’re most comfortable and are closer to family members and friends who provide emotional support during stressful times.
While the benefits of telecommuting are plentiful, it’s important to keep in mind that this is not a suitable work arrangement for everyone. Telecommuting isn’t ideal for people with young children or caretakers of sick family members, for example.
Those who work remotely may also be distracted by household chores, TV, social media and more while they’re trying to get their work done. But if they can control these distractions and focus on their work, productivity will increase and they’ll be more satisfied with their job.
5. Better health
If you have ever felt the stress of a long commute, you know it can be hard on your mental and physical health. Working from home can reduce commute time, which can help your employees enjoy better sleep, exercise and eat healthier food to promote their health and well-being.
Studies have shown that people who telecommute at least once a month are less likely to develop depression than those who work in-person. One study conducted by Rachel Henke of Truven Health Analytics found that just having the option to work remotely for as little as eight hours a month was linked to lower risk of depression.
If you want your business to thrive in the future, consider adding a flexible schedule or telecommuting options for some or all employees. It could make a significant impact on employee satisfaction, productivity and overall company success.