Moving an employee from the physical business site to a remote desktop in their home has many advantages. Some major corporations have nixed the option entirely, where others are embracing it wholeheartedly. At some point, each business must weigh the pros and cons and choose what is best for their growth and survival. Here are four benefits that your business could realize if employees could be working from their home.
- Reduce overhead expenses. Employees that work from a home office can reduce the space required in the business office. Full-time telecommuters will not need an office, desk, or other equipment. If you have multiple employees that need time in the office, coordinate a shared workspace. This on-site office can be used by multiple personnel and still allow the business to save on office space and equipment.
- Increase employee satisfaction. Today’s employees are demanding flexibility in the workplace. Additionally, studies have proven that employees are happier when they are allowed to work from home. Happy employees are more productive. Telecommuting is most successful with a pre-determined communications routine and a measurable job performance standard. This will allow the business to know when the telecommuting employee is producing the acceptable level of work.
- Broaden the pool of labor. No longer limited by geography, a 100% telecommuting employee does not need to be in your business area. Now you can focus on hiring the right skill set and personality. Even if you do require some time in the office, employees may be willing to travel farther when it is only required intermittently.
- Expand customer satisfaction. Transitioning to a telecommuting friendly business will allow all your employees to be more mobile. For your customers, this means faster response time. Your employees will have all business information readily available. They can respond to customer inquiries immediately – and no longer have to wait until they are in the office.
While the debate on full-time telecommuters can be argued for and against; the value of enabling remote access is too difficult to ignore. Setting up a Virtual Private Network would allow employees to gain access to the business network. This will unify the user experience by ensuring that everyone is working from the same equipment and has access to immediate information. When exploring the idea of a telecommuting workforce, make sure you have solid connectivity tools in place. The ability to stay connected will be the key to success.
