The concept of remote work has always been around, but it proved to be increasingly important when the world’s businesses got swept by the coronavirus pandemic. Today, businesses can’t deny how remote teams are changing the way they do business.
After organizations implemented remote work when coronavirus hit, many of them have chosen to keep this work structure even in the post-pandemic era. What could be the reason?
Here’s everything businesses have learned and gained from working with remote teams.
The changes in remote work setup
Over the past few years, remote working has evolved from being a simple work arrangement into a lifestyle that many have embraced in post-coronavirus living. When remote teams were employed, the thin line separating work and personal life became even more blurry than ever.
From the work model and workspaces to tools for communication and collaboration, the changes had been drastic and sweeping, and they changed the way teams performed. We’ve seen improvements in productivity, quality of work, flexibility, and fulfillment among workers in various industries.
Since this transition has made way for a lot of positive outcomes, more and more organizations are now opting to continue their operations with remote teams in place. Take a look at the outcomes that we’ve seen from working remotely.
The positive outcomes of working remotely
It’s evident that the benefits of working remotely have created a positive impact on employees and employers in several ways on a global scale. There’s no doubt that it’s going to be a part of operations for many businesses moving forward.
Here are just some of the profound changes we’ve seen from working with remote teams over the recent years:
Increased flexibility and productivity
With flexibility on their hands, remote workers have the liberty of how they can allocate their time to finish their tasks. Since they know when they are at their optimal state to work, they can produce better outputs and become more productive.
Remote teams are able to accomplish their work duties while also fulfilling their household and family commitments. The pandemic has revealed that these are the realities of the work-from-home scheme and that it can be possible to handle work and personal matters to achieve a work-life balance.
When an employer enables their remote teams with this kind of independence and flexibility, it builds trust within the whole team and increases job satisfaction.
Reduced turnover
Commuting every day, getting stuck in traffic, and spending a big chunk of time in the office isn’t the most productive way to go through every single day. If all the hours in a day were spent on commuting or chasing deadlines, it would not be healthy for the well-being of employees.
Not only can it be expensive, but it is also risky for the health and safety of the workforce with the pandemic still over them. Meanwhile, remote workers, without leaving the comforts of their home, can work with limited physical contact with other people.
If their environment is safe and comfortable to them, remote teams can function better for work. Their mental health also improves given that it is less stressful for them. That said, they are less likely to quit their roles, reducing the company’s turnover rate.
Lower costs for both employers and employees
On-site workers spend a big portion of their salary on travel costs, gas, food, coffee, and other office activities. Remote teams save on these expenses, which can be used for other important things or add to their savings.
Having remote teams distributed outside of the organization’s offices also reduces costs for the business. Employers don’t need to pay office rent, electricity, internet, food, and other office expenses too.
Positive environmental impact
With people staying at home and vehicles not being used for commute, remote teams are able to contribute positively to reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
While their working at home, offices have also reduced their use of paper, air conditioning, heating, lighting, and other appliances. When remote teams are distributed all over their regions, they make incredible environmentally sound contributions.
Managing remote teams for the better
Managing remote teams is not simply a workplace trend. The concept of working anywhere is the future of work that we’ve been living in.
With all the advances of technology, working virtually will become the norm for all people all over the world to work closer together and better. Over the last years, it has been proven by remote teams that working anywhere provides several advantages for the workforce.
Remote teams may not be physically sharing presence, but work can be just as effective and high-quality.
