Many workers can’t wait to get back to work, while a lot of them are anxious about their return to the workplace. What is true for all is that the traditional ‘office’ might never look the same as it did pre-pandemic.
The global pandemic forced employers to adapt and adopt different workplace strategies to continue working during the pandemic. Now that the pandemic is finally ending, people don’t want to go back to how things used to be. Almost 50% of all employees now, at least part-time, work remotely, and they all want to continue working remotely even after the pandemic is over.
Companies like Amazon and Microsoft have already announced their intentions to pursue remote working options post-pandemic. But what are the reasons behind workers wanting remote work to continue? The increased flexibility? Better job satisfaction? No commuting?
All of these are good reasons for wanting remote work to stay. Let’s look at some other benefits of working remotely to understand why working remotely is here to stay.
Better Flexibility
Most workers found that working from home allowed them to be more flexible and autonomous. Working from home meant you didn’t have to waste time commuting to work, which meant you had more time to spend with family, friends, or alone.
Working remotely also gave employees the flexibility to work in the locations they liked and during preferred timings. If workers were able to put in the required 6 to 8 hours every day, work was getting done, even if it was at different times of the day. Remote work meant that if you have a good internet connection, work could be done at any time and any place.
Remote Work Enhanced Productivity
There were huge concerns over how productivity would decline if employees were to work remotely. Employers thought workers would care less about work, be away from the office, and put less time into their jobs. All of this was proved untrue during the pandemic as workers felt an increase in productivity while working from home.
A study done by GreatPlacetoWork measured worker productivity during the first six months of the first lockdown and compared it to the same pre-pandemic period. It showed that productivity had increased when employees were working from home. This means remote work is beneficial for both employees and employers.
Employers Can Hire From A Larger Talent Pool
Since employees are working remotely, employers now have the option to hire from a larger pool of talent. Since employees don’t have to live in or near the location of company offices, employers have more options from more places. Companies can also hire remote working freelancers to get tasks and projects done, which results in lower costs for the company.
Workers can apply to and work for companies far and away from them. If the line of work they are in is doable remotely, employers are open to hiring more people who are in different locations and areas.
Fewer Expenses
Remote working has helped employers and employees both cut costs and save on their expenses. For employees, working remotely means no more transport and commuting costs and almost no expenses going towards work clothes and uniforms.
For employers, remote working means not requiring as much office space. It means lowered rent, lower furniture expenses, lower utility bills, and fewer office expenses. It also means no paying for office lunches, less office equipment, and no travel expenses being paid to employees. Companies can then put all of this saved money toward more significant areas of the business.
