Do you want to offer your employees a telecommuting option? After COVID-19, many businesses switched to telecommuting and have seen the benefits of adopting this employee-work arrangement.
What is Telecommuting?
Telecommuting is an employment arrangement that enables employees to work outside of the office. This means employees can work from home, in co-working environments, near coffee shops and libraries, and so on. Telecommuting is also referred to as remote working, e-commuting, work-from-home, and teleworking.
When employees telecommute, they work outside of the office in a location they choose and communicate with the rest of their team via technology. Now, this is the dream for most employees whose work is solely confined to a laptop and a reliable internet connection. However, for the longest time, businesses have been reluctant to enable such a workplace arrangement.
What Are the Benefits of Telecommuting?
Then entered the COVID-19 crisis. With this pandemic, many businesses enforced work-from-home policies. Businesses in sales, publishing, call centers, software development, and other industries now offer remote working as an option. So, how can telecommuting benefit your employees and your business?
1. Be Prepared for Pandemic-Like Crises
Many businesses that strictly denied work-from-home didn’t plan for a situation where telecommuting would become necessary. Now, your business does not need to switch to an all-remote-work business but keeping telecommuting as an option can help you and your employees easily switch to work-from-home during pandemic-like crises.
This means investing in cloud computing and cloud communication solutions that help your teams stay connected no matter where they are located. This way, all employees are reachable via email, phone, and video interactions. At the same time, all projects and documents can be easily accessed and updated online.
Related: 5 Benefits of Unified Communications for Remote Teams
2. Adopt a BOYD Policy (Decrease Workplace Costs)
Another benefit of telecommuting is the opportunity to implement a BYOD policy. A bring your own device or BYOD policy lets employees bring and use their own devices instead of the business purchasing equipment for them to use. This lets employees use their own devices which they are comfortable and familiar with. It also helps businesses reduce their expenses as they do not need to supply devices to employees.
Similarly, since employees work outside the office, businesses can save on other office supplies and costs. From running the office to paying for utilities, your business can greatly reduce costs. On the other hand, employees can save time and money on commuting to and fro.
3. Improve EX Metrics and Employee Productivity
Telecommuting has a positive impact on employee productivity and employee experience (EX). The 2017 State of Work Productivity Report claims that about 65% of in-office workers say they would be more productive if they worked remotely. Remote workers can work from the comfort of their homes, have more flexibility, and save on commuting expenses. They can optimize their workday to the fullest without worrying about traveling or missing a day because they are sick.
4. Better Results and Lower Employee Turnover
Flexibility allows your employees to keep a work-life balance and enjoy their free time by going for a walk, watching a TikTok live, listening to music, and resting whenever they need. Improving their EX leads to improved wellness of your employees. And this, in turn, will increase their productivity and efficiency. Happy and productive employees are less likely to leave, lowering turnover rates.
Furthermore, happy employees lead to happy customers. Employees that are not stressed and overwhelmed are more likely to love their jobs and perform well. This will lead to desirable results that push your business towards success.
5. Provide Opportunities for Older Employees to Continue Working
Lastly, by offering work-related flexibility, you can appeal to valuable employees such as the older generation. Instead of retiring early, older employees can continue to work from home, if they so desire. Additionally, you will also be providing opportunities to parents of young children, caretakers of sick individuals, etc., to bring their expertise to your company.
Is Telecommuting Right for Your Business?
Telecommuting does not need to be the ultimate workplace arrangement for your business. However, being open to it is a must since post-COVID-19, employees know that remote working is possible and will desire opportunities to work from home. In fact, according to the 2019 State of Work Report, 38% of employees believe telecommuting will be commonplace within the next 5 years and so, businesses should start laying the foundation for such a transition. Therefore, invest in the right technology so your business will be ready and your employees will be satisfied.
Check out our Guide to Remote Team Management if you’re interested in learning more!