Remote working has been steadily gaining popularity over the past decade, and the COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated this trend. The pandemic forced many companies to transition to remote work, and this has been a silver lining in the crisis. The adoption of remote work has enabled many companies to continue operating, and in some cases, to even increase their productivity. In this blog post, we will explore how remote working can help companies be more productive and provide some examples.
Reduced commuting time
One of the most significant benefits of remote work is that it eliminates commuting time. Employees no longer have to waste time commuting to and from work, which can be a significant source of stress and anxiety. This means that employees have more time to focus on work, which can lead to increased productivity. According to a study by Owl Labs, 34% of remote workers say that they are more productive because they have more time to focus on work.
Example: In 2020, Twitter announced that employees could work from home indefinitely. According to a statement by the company, the move was prompted by the success of the company’s remote work during the pandemic. The company’s CEO, Jack Dorsey, said that the decision was based on the belief that remote work would enable the company to operate more efficiently.
Increased flexibility
Remote work provides employees with increased flexibility, which can lead to increased productivity. For example, employees who have the option to work from home can create a work environment that is conducive to their productivity. They can set up their workspace in a way that suits their preferences and work at a time that works best for them. This means that employees can work when they are most productive, which can lead to increased productivity.
Example: In 2017, Aetna, a healthcare company, announced that it would be offering employees the option to work from home. The move was prompted by the belief that remote work would increase productivity by providing employees with increased flexibility. According to a statement by the company, the move was expected to save the company $78 million in real estate costs.
Increased job satisfaction
Remote work can also lead to increased job satisfaction, which can lead to increased productivity. According to a study by Buffer, 90% of remote workers plan to work remotely for the rest of their careers. This is because remote work provides employees with increased flexibility and autonomy, which can lead to increased job satisfaction.
Example: In 2019, HubSpot, a marketing software company, announced that it would be offering employees the option to work remotely. The move was prompted by the belief that remote work would increase job satisfaction and productivity. According to a statement by the company, the move was expected to help the company attract and retain top talent.
Increased collaboration
Remote work can also lead to increased collaboration, which can lead to increased productivity. Remote work enables employees to collaborate with colleagues from different locations and time zones. This means that companies can leverage the expertise of employees from around the world, which can lead to increased innovation and productivity.
Example: In 2020, Google announced that it would be allowing employees to work remotely until July 2021. The move was prompted by the belief that remote work would enable the company to collaborate more effectively. According to a statement by the company, the move was expected to help the company continue to innovate and bring new products to market.
Conclusion
In conclusion, remote working can help companies be more productive in a variety of ways. It can reduce commuting time, increase flexibility, increase job satisfaction, and increase collaboration. These benefits can lead to increased productivity, which can help companies achieve their goals and grow their businesses. Companies that are considering adopting remote work should carefully consider the benefits and drawbacks and develop a strategy that works for their unique needs.