5 Benefits of Hiring Remote Workers

Working remotely (working from home) used to be a nice perk that companies offered, usually when the weather was bad, or an employee had a personal reason to do so.

Not anymore.

Jobs involving remote work, including freelance and gig workers, are increasingly becoming more common, and the trend is likely to accelerate soon.

38% percent of hiring managers predict their workforce will be predominately remote in the next decade, according to a survey in Upwork’s Future Workforce Report.

Already, at least eight million Americans work remotely, which accounts for 5.2% of the U.S. workforce, according to data from the U.S. Census.

So, why should you hire remote workers? The benefits of remote employees are various, such as reducing business costs, accessing a wider pool of talent, and improving employee retention.

Here are some of the top benefits of hiring remote workers, based on research the experts at Empire Resume have rounded up:

1. Enhanced Employee Productivity

The myth behind remote workers is they’re less productive at home than they are onsite due to personal distractions. Managers may fear remote employees are sitting around watching SportsCenter instead of working.

Empire Resume found that several studies and surveys show this may not be the case.

Seventy-seven percent of employees say they’re more productive at their jobs when working remotely, according to a survey by Connect Solutions. Another 30% of surveyed workers said they accomplish more in less time when working remotely.

One of the reasons for this productivity boost is some employees say working remotely is less stressful than working in an office. Remote workers also generally take less time off, which reduces absenteeism.

Some managers believe a drawback of remote working arrangements is it hinders collaboration among staff. But technology, such as video conferencing and file sharing, enables communication among staff members that can be just as effective as in-person interactions.

2. A Bigger Talent Pool

Traditionally, companies have been limited to hiring employees that were close to them. Sure, some workers may re-locate for jobs, but not everyone.

Hiring remote employees changes this dynamic and it opens a company’s potential talent pool nationally and, perhaps, even on a global scale.

Younger workers, such as Millennials and those in Generation Z, also prefer and sometimes demand more flexibility at work. Many surveys show younger employees are more attracted to jobs with remote working possibilities.

Companies can also hire more freelance and gig workers to work remotely to do specialized jobs that may require more expertise and fewer hours.

To sum it up, offering remote positions can make working at your company more attractive, and it can also allow your company to truly find the best and brightest people.

3. Reduced Business Costs

Companies can save a significant amount of money by hiring remote, freelance, and gig workers. Typical savings come from reduced operating costs, such as office space and equipment, janitorial services, and electricity.

Your company can reap these savings even if employees only work remotely part-time. Empire Resume has observed that several businesses today are shrinking office space by using “hot-desking” policies, which enable workers to share desks and cubicles.

Employees also save big money by working remotely. Remote workers save between $2,000 and $7,000 per year on transportation, clothes, food, and childcare, according to Inc. Magazine.

4. Increased Employee Retention

Companies can reduce employee turnover by hiring more remote, freelance, and gig workers. Why? Because surveys show remote workers are happier than their office-bound colleagues.

A recent survey by Owl Labs found people who work remotely report being 24% happier and more productive in their jobs than on-site employees.

These happier remote workers also tend to be more loyal. The survey found remote workers were 13% more likely to stay at their current job in the next five years compared to onsite employees.

Empire Resume has found that remote employees report being happier typically because they have better work-life balance, improved ability to focus, and they can avoid time- and gas-consuming commutes to an office.

5. Better for the Environment

Remote workers tend to be happier, more productive, and more loyal. Here’s another surprising benefit: They’re good for the environment.

Telecommuting keeps workers off the road, which can decrease each employees’ overall carbon footprint. In fact, remote employees can reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 54 million tons per year, according to Global Workforce Analytics.

Xerox’s use of remote employees is a prime example. In 2015, the corporation reported that remote workers drove 92 million fewer miles, which saved 4.6 million gallons of gas, reduced GHG emissions by nearly 41,000 metric tons, and saved the company more than $10 million. Not bad.

Gig workers also have another environmental benefit: they use substantially less amounts of paper. The average office worker consumes about 10,000 sheets of paper per year – some of which ends up in landfills. Remote employees tend to rely more on digital technology and use less paper.

Maria Gold is a Content Manager/Writer for Empire Resume. She is dedicated to helping educate and motivate people with the latest career articles and job search advice. Her interests range from writing to programming and design. She is also passionate about innovation, entrepreneurship, and technology.