The dream of working from home is one that many employees share, but for an increasing number of people, it’s becoming a reality. Many people are seeking remote positions or jobs that allow for flexible work arrangements and more companies are looking into ways that they can accommodate these requests. Studies suggest that working from home can actually increase a staff member’s efficiency, benefiting the wellbeing of the individual as well as the business. Here are some of the ways that remote working can help improve productivity.
Longer Breaks but Greater Productivity
Researchers have found that while workers who carry out their daily duties from the comfort of their home take longer breaks than those who work from the office. But while managers often fear that the level of work will go down when an employee signs in from home, the opposite is typically true. Longer breaks have been linked with an increase in productivity and telecommuters actually work 1.4 more days each month, or 16.8 days more a year than those who work from the office every day. Taking regular breaks but still adhering to set working hours provides the perfect balance for staff to stay engaged without burning out. Businesses can use an effective international HR tool to facilitate cross-country processes and enable efficient communication from staff, wherever they are in the world.
Better Health and Cost-Saving Measures
One of the biggest benefits to employees working remotely is that the dreaded commute to work is removed from the equation. In fact, commuting has resulted in one in four workers to quit their jobs. Not only is commuting tiring and puts stress on one’s health, it is also costly, whether staff drive, take taxis, buses or trains. Employees can wind up spending thousands over the course of the year on their commute, as well as losing out on anywhere from 30 minutes to several hours from their day. But by working from home, employees can keep their money and their time, which improves wellbeing and lowers stress. Remote workers even dedicate their regained time to exercise which improves their health, both mentally and physically. This leaves employees feeling more motivated and reduces the amount of time taken out of the year due to sickness or stress.
Relationship Management
It can be difficult for some people to work from home and maintain connections with colleagues. And workplace relationships are important to many people. But, while being friends with your team mates is lovely, studies show that it can actually be a distraction. Office workers spend an average of 66 minutes per day talking to their colleagues about non-work-related topics, but remote workers spend less than 30 minutes doing the same. And managers can be one of the worst culprits, spending almost 70 minutes a day talking about topics that are unrelated to work. By working from home, employees can keep focused on the task at hand and reduce the disruptions.