Why do employers need to offer flexible and remote working?
- October 10, 2019
Mental health at work has never been more pertinent, employers need to look at their accountability as a business to ensure their staff are balancing their work and life responsibilities. With the ability to choose their start and finish times or which location they can work from, employees have better control over their commitments outside of work without having to compromise. In the last decade technological advances have seen flexible and remote working increase by 91%.
What is the benefit for employers & their employees?
A 2-year study by Stanford University found that by companies trusting staff to have ownership over where they chose to work from along with their hours, not only increased productivity but had a positive impact on employee retention, sick days and workforce diversity.
Employee Retention
One of the most positive and important benefits of flexible working is employee retention. Past studies have shown that staff are more likely to stay longer at their company if they have the chance to choose their hours and work remotely. This leads to several positive impacts such as lowering recruitment costs and enhancing the company culture.
Productivity
By giving staff the chance to work from home or adjust their hours accordingly, it not only reduces stress, it also stops people feeling they need to come into work when they are ill, therefore spreading illness around the office. Resulting in reduced sickness levels and increased productivity.
Reduced Costs
Companies are always looking at ways to reduce their costs and in return for being flexible with their workforce, it helps businesses cut down on overhead costs such as rent and operating expenses. For the employee this leads to a cheaper commute, allowing their wage to go further and improving their overall work like balance.
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Workforce Diversity
Working from home means employers can look further afield than they would for regular office work, resulting in a larger talent pool. By offering the opportunity for remote working, companies will not only widen experience levels but also encourage increased diversity within their business.
Mental Health
By allowing staff to cut out their commute before and after work, employees will benefit from less stress, a few extra hours at home to spend with their friends and families and the chance to pursue their outside interests. These aspects will all lead to a better morale and outlook on life.
Whether employers like it or not, remote working is here to stay and as more companies adapt to this way of working, it’s important businesses don’t get left behind.
For more information about the companies Stonor works with that offers flexible working, contact charlie@stonorsearch.com or visit our jobs page.