Telecommuting – Yay or Nay?

Telecommuting and providing flexibility in work schedules are benefits that employees are increasingly seeking and are incentives that really don’t take that much effort or cost (relative to other benefits) to implement. Not only is the opportunity to work remotely appealing to employees as it provides them with an opportunity to manage both their home and work lives efficiently, but there are a number of benefits for employers as well, including:

• High Levels of Morale = Low Levels of Stress – (A + B = C) When your employees have higher levels of morale, they are less stressed about their work, are more motivated to perform at their best, and will in turn produce quality work. Employees who are happier and healthier often have a sense of autonomy over their work, and providing them with this opportunity will help keep them engaged and reduce burnout.
• Retention and Reduction of Turnover – For many employees, when the desired work-life balance is met, there is no need or desire to seek work elsewhere as they are content in the stability they’ve established in their position. Recruitment is expensive. Employees who have flexibility are proven to be less likely to leave an organization, with this benefit often outweighing the offer of more compensation elsewhere.
• Productivity and Work Hours – A huge benefit for employers who have remote employees is the option to extend work hours. With employees working from home, work schedules can be far more flexible (e.g., an employee starting later and working until 8pm versus 5pm) which can benefit your customers and clients, particularly when factoring in varying time zones.

Making the wants and needs of your employees a priority proves to them that you genuinely care about their work and their aspirations. Granted, business needs should always be a top priority, but if you can meet your employees halfway and can offer them incentives and opportunities to grow and perform at their very best, you can reap the benefits of highly motivated, long-term employees who will remain loyal and productive.