In 2020 and 2021, companies around the world shifted to remote work in response to the pandemic. This change was a necessity for which many workplaces did not feel prepared. As the pandemic progressed over the course of several years, many employers recognized the many benefits of remote work. Now that the pandemic has more or less subsided, we’re discussing the 5 reasons that remote work benefits employees and companies in 2022.
As society tries to regain a sense of normalcy, many employees and employers are pondering what’s next. Some employers place a high value on in-person collaboration. Likewise, some miss the daily interactions and sense of comradery they felt in a traditional office setting. However, as companies begin transitioning back to the office, many workers are pushing back and even quitting their jobs in response.
Job seekers are finding more flexible work options than ever — and with good reason. Remote work offers an abundance of benefits for both employers and their employees. Is it time to return to the office, or is remote work the new normal? We can’t answer that question for you, but we can share the top 5 reasons remote work benefits employees and companies in 2022 and beyond.
The Top 5 Benefits of Remote Work
Many employees have gotten used to the idea of remote or hybrid work, and are reluctant to relinquish their preferred work environment. In situations where companies are able to leverage remote work, they’ve found increased employee productivity and satisfaction and realize that it makes their workplace more appealing to many. Here are the top reasons why remote work benefits both your company and employees:
Remote Work Companies Offers Better Work-Life Balance
Discussion about mental health has become more important than ever following the quarantine period of the pandemic. Company culture is shifting to prioritize the mental health of their teams.
“Mental health is at an all-time high of what people are concerned about,” explains team building and employer culture expert Esther Weinberg. During her career, she’s worked to improve the cultures of companies like Disney, Microsoft, Sony, and more during periods of reorganization and rejuvenation.
One thing that has proven to have a positive impact on employees’ mental health, is a better work-life balance.
Both formal studies and anecdotal evidence suggest that remote work has an immense, positive impact on employees’ work-life balance. By eliminating their daily commute, employees have freed up more time to spend with their families.
Breaks are also more relaxing and productive in a work-from-home environment. Instead of walking around an office building or sitting in a break room for fifteen minutes, workers can take a few minutes to fold laundry, load the dishwasher, or enjoy their backyard. In an office, even when workers take a physical break, they may struggle to mentally unplug from their job.
Being at home makes it much easier for employees to disconnect and quickly recharge.
Remote Work Increases Productivity and Efficiency
When the pandemic began and work from home became the new “normal” there were many outspoken critics who claimed that people would work less and productivity would stall. Many believed that their workers could not be trusted to work productively outside an office. They were wrong.
After two years of remote work, employees have proven they can get their jobs done from the comfort of home. Not only that, but multiple studies have shown that employees are actually more productive and efficient when they work from home.
This may seem counterintuitive, but researchers and employees have identified several ways remote work can increase productivity. Remote employees don’t waste time commuting and sleep more efficiently. They face fewer distractions from coworkers. Even the simple fact that workers are happier and more comfortable in their own homes may contribute to the productivity boost.
This combination of factors allows workers to get more done and maintain a healthier work-life balance. Employers that offer remote work options will likely see happier, more productive, and more efficient workers.
Remote Work Options Save Time and Money
Employees and employers alike save money with remote work. In fact, according to estimates from Global Workplace Analytics, companies can save up to $11,000 per employee by switching to remote work at least half of the time.
With most employees working from home at least part-time, companies can downsize their office spaces. An employee with a remote job does not need an office cubicle, and those with a hybrid job can rotate their in-office days and shared workspaces. If collaborative work is done over Zoom, you may not need a conference room either.
Meanwhile, employees save on gas, food, and related expenses. Cooking your own lunch or brewing your own coffee is easier at home, where the temptation to eat out or order in isn’t quite as strong.
Time savings add up, too. What might have been a 30-minute conversation at the office, where coworkers can drop by your desk whenever they have a question, can be handled more efficiently over email, text, or Slack. Remote work also eliminates the dead time of a daily commute and reduces employee absenteeism.
By reducing office costs companies save money with remote work and reduce the number of sick days for employees. Employees save money on commuting, office attire, and meals or snack.
Companies Demonstrate Innovation and Empowerment
Allowing employees to work from home helps foster a company culture of innovation and empowerment. In the past, a refusal to allow remote work might have been met with understanding or even agreement. Today, technology makes that inflexibility seem unnecessary and backward.
It is important to note that not all jobs can be done remotely, and not all employees want to work remotely. However, offering flexible work options shows that a company trusts its employees and values their contributions and mental health.
A wide array of software and services are available to facilitate remote work, such as Zoom, Slack, Asana, Trello, Firstbase, ClickUp, Tettra, and Kazoo. Taking advantage of this new technology makes companies more agile and keeps them on the cutting edge of their industries.
Remote Work Boosts Recruitment and Retention Incentives
In today’s job market, many employees see remote work benefits as non-negotiable. Most know firsthand how liberating it is to work from home, and they can see that the research is on their side. Companies will attract more talent and lose fewer employees to competitors if they offer generous remote and hybrid work options.
Now that you know all the ways a company benefits from remote work, take a moment to evaluate your current position. Does your employer’s work-from-home policy align with your goals and needs? If not, 2022 is the perfect time for a career move — and Capstone Resume Services can help. Check out our blog How to Create Outstanding Resumes for Remote Job Opportunities.
Get Hired with the Remote Job Resume Experts
Need some help writing the perfect remote job resume? At Capstone Resume Services we’ve helped thousands of employees find a better career with remote work or hybrid options by helping you write a professional remote job resume.
We understand what employers and hiring software are currently looking for in a stand-out resume and cover letter. Our team of remote job resume experts would love to help you land your dream remote job. Request a FREE consultation today to learn more about our professional resume services.
