Skip to main content

The Importance of Having a Remote Work Policy

Share it
Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Email

National hiring statistics tell us that remote work has been increasing for years, even before COVID-19 forced big shifts in how and where we work. In the past 10 years, the number of remote workers has grown by 91% to today, where nearly 60% of our workers are getting the job done from somewhere other than a traditional office. By March 2020, six of every 10 Americans were working remotely. These numbers alone should tell you why your company needs a remote work policy in place. Whether it’s a global pandemic or just a good way to cut costs, here’s why it’s important to have a remote work policy in place. 

Why Should You Have Remote Work Rules? 

We believe having a remote work policy in place, even if your workers engage primarily in a traditional office. Here are four reasons: 

1. Having a work-from-policy in place can help you stay prepared for the unthinkable crisis if it happens. 

Consider it an insurance policy of sorts; for example, if natural disaster strikes your city (we hope this never happens), what is your crisis plan for continuing business operations if workers can’t reach your office? The global pandemic and work shut-down orders were a wakeup call for many companies caught flat-footed or ill-prepared for conducting business as usual when the office was shut down. Companies had to scramble to figure out communication challenges, IT, remote device security, and so much more. 

2. Workers demand a work-from-home option. 

CNBC reports that nearly 43% of full-time workers want to continue to work remotely long after the pandemic is over. Many employers are saying they are discussing how they can make remote work more of an option in the future. But even before the pandemic, the latest polls showed millennials and GenY job candidates said they would be more attracted to companies that offered a remote work option. One workforce analytics survey showed 80% of the American workforce desired a work-from-home option at least part of the time. 

3. Productivity will increase. 

Prior to COVID-19, the jury was out on whether workers could stay as productive if they worked from home. Now, of course, many companies have had a trial by fire and will be able to answer this question conclusively. But a recent study from Stanford University shows that working remotely even a few days a week has a very positive impact on worker productivity. Another study showed workers that telecommute are twice as likely to work more than 40-hours a week. 

4. Overhead will decrease. 

How much does your business spend on electricity, heating, office rent, and physical facilities? The studies show workers save about $4,000 a year when working remotely. But that number is much higher from a corporate perspective; the typical company can save $11,000 per half-time telecommuter per year on average.  

These are all good reasons to develop a remote work policy that encompasses everything from equipment and office supplies to how to track time worked. The Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) has a sample remote work policy here. Workable also has a sample policy here 

Call Us Today to Learn More

ADD STAFF is here to help your company become more efficient. We can help you find the most experienced in-office or remote workforce. Talk to our team today to streamline your hiring process. 

 

 

 

 

Share it
Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Email

Categories

Related Posts

We cannot overstate the power of networking connections. When 70% of positions never make it...

In recent years, there has been a notable shift in the composition of the workforce,...

Leaving a job can be a significant and often challenging decision. Whether you’re moving on...