In 2020, the pandemic forced millions of people out of the office, causing remote work numbers to skyrocket. Now, approximately 40% of United States employees still work from home at least one day per week. Although these numbers are on the decline, working from home is still a valuable tool that many businesses and employees benefit from in a post-pandemic world.
There are at least some remote job postings in every U.S. state, mostly in the eastern half of the country and in California, which is home to the most remote jobs. Outside of the United States, most workers are on-site, however, there are hybrid and fully remote opportunities available around the globe. Despite these somewhat limited remaining opportunities, work from home options offer benefits to both employees and employers that cannot be ignored.
There are several ways in which workers benefit from remote work. First, it eliminates the need for and hassle of a commute, also saving time and money on other expenses like gas and food. This type of schedule allows for greater flexibility, less time spent getting ready, and more tie spent on personal hobbies or with family and friends. On the other hand, employers benefit from remote work as well. Working from home reduces absenteeism, with studies showing 56% fewer absences and 50% fewer sick days. It also boosts productivity and lowers turnover, increasing the effectiveness of the workplace in general and improving the performance of the company. Finally, having employees work from home can save the company money, reducing the cost per employee from anywhere between $20k to $37k annually.
Even though we are years beyond the start of the pandemic, 98% of people say they still have interest in working remotely at least some or all of the time. In order to satisfy this wish, there are some key actions that companies must take. First, connectivity platforms must be efficient and reliable, keeping employees connected and productive from wherever they choose to work. Also, cybersecurity and other IT tools must be readily available, ensuring that the business is safe from digital threats. Finally, up to date technology, such as AI, should be used to optimize user experience and lower stress on both sides of the company.
Combining these strategies will ensure a smooth transition between remote and in-person work. Even years after the start of the pandemic, maintaining remote teams remains a powerful way to boost one’s business and prepare for the uncertainty of the future.
Source: Unrubble.com
