From your employees to your business processes
Agile and remote working are not new concepts. There has long been a growing trend that was already expected to continue over the coming years.
Remote working was once the sole privilege of individuals of a certain wealth and within a limited selection of professions. But as technology – and the infrastructure around it – becomes increasingly capable and affordable, it in turn has become much more commonplace.
But why do people want to work remotely in the first place. And what’s in it for their organisation?
Believe it or not, your people don’t want to work remotely just so they can watch television all day. There are benefits to productivity, job satisfaction and even health and wellbeing.
For some, it represents an opportunity to get away from a busy office environment, and focus on a specific activity or challenging issue without interruption.
For most, it represents flexibility. It enables them to find a good work/life balance so they can take care of urgent needs – such as childcare or emergencies – or perhaps to work further afield in more affordable housing.
And for others, who really embrace agile and remote working – sometimes known as ‘digital nomads’ – it represents a way of life. Often working away from the office for weeks or months at a time as they move around.
Businesses shouldn’t see agile and remote working as a short-term departure from the norm. It is very likely that the rapid acceleration to these new working practices will have a permanent affect.
But this isn’t a bad thing. There are benefits when it comes to cost-saving on expensive office space, recruiting from a wider talent pool and protecting your business against future change.
The effective implementation of remote working now could see your business thrive for years to come and create more flexible, effective spaces.
Remote working leads to increased productivity
A two-year study by Stanford University showed that home workers were a full working day more productive each week than traditional workers.
Increased employee retention
The same Stanford University research showed that home workers were 50% less likely to leave their company.
Decreased sick days and time off
Seeing as how you’re supposed to stay at home if you’re ill, remote workers are already ahead of the game, and are more unlikely to call in sick.
Reduced costs for employers
In 2018 there was an estimated $5 billion in cost savings for US companies with employees who worked remotely.
Reduced costs for workers
US remote workers themselves also save about $7000 a year on things like commuting, food, clothing and childcare.
