Does Remote Working Really Work?

Remote working, also known as working from home or telecommuting, is a work arrangement that permits working outside the typical office environment. It has increased globally over the years and accelerated during the COVID-19 pandemic.

This change has led many corporations to see the benefits of remote working. The question is: does remote working really work? The answer is – yes! When done correctly, remote working improves the employee experience and increases productivity and retention rates. Future Forum Pulse's October 2022 report showed that employees with flexible work arrangements had higher scores for productivity, connection, and company culture. They found that workers with schedule flexibility were 29% more productive and had a 53% greater ability to focus than workers without the ability to shift their schedule.

However, you need to consider some things before jumping into this trend if it isn't already part of your business strategy.

What is remote working?

Remote work is a type of employment in which employees work at home or in different locations rather than in a traditional office. Remote working is becoming more common, and it's not just tech companies that offer employees this option. Remote work has many benefits, but maintaining a good work-life balance can also be challenging when you're not in the office. GitLab's Guide to All-Remote is a deep dive into the topic and its definitions.

Remote working allows you to reduce costs and increase productivity by enabling people to work independently as long as they finish their work. It also benefits your employees and the environment, as there's less stress on public transport systems and pollution from commuting.

Does remote working improve employee experience, productivity, and talent retention?

Remote working has a lot of benefits. Some of the most common include:

• The ability to work from anywhere

• More flexibility and autonomy

• More control over your schedule

Consider caveats to remote working

The biggest concern with remote working is that it can be challenging to retain effective communication. The lack of face-to-face interaction can lead to a breakdown in communication, which results in misunderstandings and poor decision-making.

However, here are some tips for ensuring that your team stays on the same page when you're working remotely:

• Use video or screen-sharing software so you don't miss out on important meetings or presentations.

• Use online tools like Slack and Google Docs to allow employees to collaborate remotely.

Communication is key when it comes to remote working. We Work Remotely includes five tips to communicate better. Most importantly, they recommend being clear, concise, and mindful of virtual body language. 

The critical thing here is flexibility — not just from employees, but from managers too!

The pros of going remote

Remote working is on the rise, and for a good reason. You might think that it's all about productivity and saving money, but there are many benefits to having remote employees that go beyond this. Moving to a remote-first or hybrid work environment allows you to:

• Attract and retain top talent (particularly in competitive fields like tech)

• Improve employee experience & productivity

• Reduce stress levels & increase work-life balance

• Improve time management

Are You Looking To Have a Remote Workplace? 

Remote working can be an excellent way for companies to attract and retain talent, but it has challenges. Remote and hybrid workers feel more connected to their direct manager and company values, and flexible remote work policies were the number one factor that has improved company culture over the past two years. Learn more about the current state of remote-work sentiment here. The key is finding the right balance for your organization.