Before the first lockdown, working from home was a luxury for hundreds of thousands of employees. However, the lockdown forced all sorts of businesses that thought working from home was impossible. For example, schools had teachers carrying out remote lessons – the unthinkable became actionable. But, what exactly are the benefits of working from home from an employee and business perspective? Let’s find out!
Benefits of Working from Home for Employers
Employee Efficiency
Employees can be highly efficient when working from home, which means they are likely to be even more productive. There is a lot of time wasted when employees work in an office because there is office gossip, coffee chats, and even arriving late. These time-wasting activities effectively disappear by working from home, but that does not mean all necessary communication fades away.
Effective Communication
Some may believe that working from home reduces communication, and studies show that it does. In fact, it facilitates time-wasting communication. You know the one’s near the kettle. Communication is short and sharp with the right systems in place like functional email groups, team and project management apps like Monday.com, and face-to-face virtual meetings.
Cost Saving
There are multiple cost savings when staff work from home. Firstly, rent for premises. You can either reduce the size of the office, which many companies have done over the last few years. Or, you can completely remove the need for an office, hire office clearance services, and have a fully remote workforce. Secondly, drinking facilities such as coffees and teas, any fruit and pastries supplied. Oh, you could make a huge saving in this area.
Benefits of Working from Home for Employees
Improved Work-Life Balance
Employees generally have an improved work-life balance when working from home. However, working from home without clear expectations can make staff anxious. For example, some staff will happily manage their family in between their workload throughout the day and evening and feel fine about it. Others will feel like they must stick to their contracted hours. As an employer, it’s important that you address any confusion and make it clear. We’d choose the former option for improved work-life balance.
Improved Health and Happiness
Less time commuting, most by car or public transport, allows employees the opportunity to walk their dog longer on weekdays, go to the gym, spend time in the garden on a warm day, you name it. All the little things add to improving health and happiness. Healthier and happier staff will take less time off work and put in more effort.
Freedom and Flexibility
The freedom and flexibility of working from home are great, but expectations are important to remove any anxiousness.
