Employee retention is critical to the success of any business. Hiring and training new team members requires a significant amount of time and money, and high employee turnover rates decrease morale. Providing employees with remote work opportunities can be an effective way to reduce turnover rates, resulting in a more productive and profitable company. Here are some reasons why you should consider allowing employees to work from home some or even all of the time.
Remote Work Provides a Change of Pace
Monotony stands in the way of productivity. It's easy for employees to get burnt out when every day is the same. Remote work allows employees to enjoy new environments and experiences, keeping the job fresh and interesting. After working a day at home, and then another at the local coffee shop, an employee is going to be much more excited to spend the next day at the office. Sometimes working from home is the absence that makes the heart grow fonder.
Telecommuting Establishes Trust
When employees feel truly valued and trusted, they're going to be much more engaged with the company. Providing your team with remote work opportunities is a great way to show you trust them to work unsupervised. Nobody likes being micromanaged, and remote work provides a sense of freedom and responsibility that really encourages professional growth.
Less Employees Means More Resources
Employees who participate in remote work programs don't take up any office space, drink water, use office supplies or take the elevator. When there are less people, your company's physical and mental resources expand. With a lower person-to-chair ratio, the remaining staff can enjoy a more relaxing and spacious work environment, improving morale and boosting employee retention.
Happy Employees Are More Productive
Employees often quit when they aren't satisfied with their work-life balance. People who spend too much time at work often get frustrated and overwhelmed. Providing remote work opportunities is a great way to give your employees the personal space they need while still ensuring their workflow contribution continues uninterrupted.
Reduce Wasted Time
In an in-person office environment, there are plenty of distractions. From long company meetings to water cooler chats, wasted time is wasted money. With a telecommuting work arrangement, the focus is on getting work done. You can communicate quickly and effectively through email, phone calls or video calls. Remote work encourages the manager and the employees to focus on relevant work-related projects, rather than socializing.
If you're considering offering remote work for your trusted employees, start small. Give them one or two work-from-home days per week, and see how it pans out. If it goes well, you can provide more opportunities, or even allow efficient employees to work from home full time. Remote work isn't always the most practical option, but it can be a powerful way to keep employees happy so they stick with your company long term.
Photo courtesy of RK008 at FreeDigitalPhotos.net
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