Is remote work the ‘new normal’ at your company? If not, it’s important for you to note that many companies have transitioned to remote operations entirely since the start of COVID-19. That means they may have the upper hand on your company when it comes to attracting new talent and retaining workers. In fact, remote work is one of the top benefits transitioning workers want when seeking new employment. The remote work culture has projected forward due to necessity, and companies that made the transition swiftly have also reaped the rewards of continual revenue and maintaining a full team of workers.
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, nearly one-third of the U.S. workforce and half of ‘information workers’ are currently working from home. While working remote can be challenging for some, the positive experiences employees gain may be a reason to leave their company if they’re required to return to the office full time. 98% of American workers report they would like to work from home indefinitely since the start of COVID-19 when working remote was their only option. What are the things people love about working from home?
- 32% Flexible schedule
- 26% Working from any location
- 21% No commute
- 11% Time with family
- 7% Working from home
Source: World Economic Forum, June 3, 2020
While managers may be concerned that productivity, focus, and team collaboration may suffer, 56% of the U.S. workforce holds a job that is compatible with remote work. Additionally, research has found that the cost savings to companies are about $11,000 per year for every person that works remotely half of the time.
Compatible, productive jobs through remote work and cost savings to companies lead GlobalWorkplaceAnalytics.com to predict that the longer people are required to work from home, the higher the remote work adoption. When managers work from home, they realize the benefits it provides to them personally, and become increasingly aware of the positive impacts on their employees.
“No matter where you work, it’s important to create an environment that helps you focus. This is especially critical when working from home; maintaining a clear division between work and your home life will make it easier to show up fully for both.” –Marie Kondo, How to Work From Home…With Joy.
Regardless of whether a company’s decision to offer remote work is due to COVID-19 or not, working from the safety of one’s home is a valuable employer benefit that hopefully continues long after the pandemic is over.
