Work flexibility is desired by all different people, for a variety of reasons. According to Work Flexibility, in addition to enhancing productivity, telecommuting helps companies access and recruit top talent, no matter where they happen to live and to retain those great employees after they’re hired.
Here are five benefits of telecommuting for both a company and its workers:
- Flexible work options increase productivity.
Companies who allow work flexibility tend to see an increase in employee productivity. According to Work Flexibility, JD Edwards telecommuters were 20-25 percent more productive than their office colleagues and, American Express employees who worked from home were 43 percent more productive than workers in the office.
- Flexible work options reduce turnover.
Telecommuting can help improve hiring processes and reduce costs associated with recruiting and training new employees. The ability for a company to recruit remote workers expands the potential talent pool, especially millennials who often expect flexibility. Companies that offer flexibility generate good word of mouth, which can help with recruitment and retention. In addition, according to Work Flexibility, workers who telecommute are more satisfied, and thus, less likely to leave a company.
- Flexible work options improve morale.
Workers who participate in flexible work plans tend to be both physically and emotionally healthier. According to Work Flexibility, employees at nine different companies showed that stress and burnout were lower among those telecommuted. Evidence also suggests that workforce flexibility leads to happier workers who are more creative.
- Flexible work options are eco-friendly.
In addition to a more productive workforce, telecommuting can also help your company reduce pollution. Cutting back on daily commutes and adequately using remote communication tools allows companies to minimize business travel which cuts pollution. People who telecommute also use less office equipment and fewer supplies, reducing waste.
- Flexible work options are cost-effective.
Hiring and training new employees is expensive, but companies that embrace telecommuting often save money on office space because they’ll need fewer cubicles for on-site employees. Telecommuting also usually leads to improvements in employee recruitment and retention, reduces employee absenteeism, and increases employee morale.
Work flexibility helps parents continue to work while also raising children, eliminates the stress caused by commuting and gives people more hours to spend with the people they love, which makes them happier and more loyal.