Working remotely is a dream for many employees. But some employers are resistant to the idea for a number of reasons. Change can be scary and some employers find it difficult to trust that employees will work well remotely. Fortunately, the increasing number of people who work from home successfully has helped many employers come around to the idea. There is a long list of benefits that come with working remotely for both the employer and the employee.

Benefits to employer

When people think of working remotely, they typically think of it as a benefit to the employee. In reality, working remotely can benefit the employer immensely as well. An employee that has the option to work remotely does not need to use space or resources in a traditional office. Since the traditional office design is more expensive than remote options such as co-working, employers can save money by allowing employees to work remotely. In addition, working remotely can help reduce stress and improve work-life balance for employees which can, in turn, improve the quality of their work.

Benefits to employee

Working remotely can benefit employees in a number of ways. Working from a co-working space close to home can eliminate long commutes and give employees extra time during the day to work or have more personal time. Employees can also enjoy a higher level of flexibility in their schedule when working remotely. Most of the constraints of ‘normal’ business hours are removed when everything can be done online. Many employees want the freedom and flexibility that comes with working remotely.   

Who benefits most?

Who benefits the most from working remotely – the employer who saves money or the employee who gets more flexibility? It’s a toss-up. Both employers and employees can benefit from a remote work design. If you are hesitant about making the change as an employer, do a trial run. Allow employees who can do their work remotely try it for one or two days per week. If that design is successful it will help you feel comfortable giving your employees the option to work remotely some or all of the time. If you are an employee who wants to work remotely, suggest this type of trial run to your employer. You may have to help your employer get used to the idea by easing into remote work slowly.

Working remotely can be done successfully – especially if you have access to the right type of environment. Co-working spaces provide a professional environment that is less expensive than a traditional office. In addition, co-working spaces come with a lot more flexibility than then typical design of working in an office. You can learn more about how working remotely can benefit both employee and employer on the 580 Exec blog.