With the number of employees working from home steadily growing in today’s increasingly cloud-connected world, there are unlimited possibilities to successfully log-in from home – and work like you’re still in the office. We have looked at key advantages of working remotely, and how it can benefit businesses and staff. Here are our top 5 for employees and top 5 for employers.

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For Employees:

1. The Office Can Be Anywhere

Working from home doesn’t mean you have to have to occupy a corner of your lounge with a clunky desk, a huge monitor, and a big ugly chair. Office systems based in the cloud enable remote agents to work anytime, anywhere. Meaning that you can get the same experience as office staff but can set up your laptop anywhere that’s most comfortable.
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2. Learn More and Become More Independent

Working from home inevitably leads to developing skills of troubleshooting and looking for answers by yourself, thus becoming more proactive to find what you need on your own. Of course, you still have the support of colleagues to answer questions and give help if you need it. But, a lot of the time you can do an online search, review blogs, articles, and forums to find the answer yourself quickly.

3. Stay More Focused

With some willpower and a steady routine, you’ll soon learn to avoid being distracted. The more you settle into your home/workspace, you’ll find yourself getting more done because you can control your working situation much more. By not having to worry about colleagues “asking a quick question” (that ends up being 20 minutes...), you can really concentrate on your work tasks and buckle down.
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4. Manage your own Schedule  

Whether you need to work specific hours or can be flexible on them, you’ll still need to have some break time. Even if you have just a few 10-minute breaks through the day, you have the freedom of doing something that wouldn’t be possible in the office: bust some dance moves, play a musical instrument (if you have one), or take a refreshing power nap! You’re guaranteed to feel more refreshed than you would after 10 minutes at your desk surfing the internet.
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5. Reduce Stress Levels

Studies indicate that working from home can actually increase productivity and decrease stress. Working at home makes it easier to eat healthier and offers a manageable work/life balance to spend more time with your family. Feeling less stressed will make for a happier, more productive workday.

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For Employers:

1. Increases Employee Retention

Flexible working is normally one of the more popular employee benefits. Offering remote working to your staff can help to strengthen employee loyalty and encourage a long-term commitment to your business. This will enhance your company culture and reduce costs associated with recruiting and training new employees.
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2. Opens a Wider Talent Pool  

Offering flexible working contracts means you can attract potential recruits from further afield. Research suggests that one of the top considerations for employees looking for a new role is the option of home working and are more likely to prioritise companies that offer flexible working hours, over an attractive pay package. This allows you to source exceptional talent outside of your area.
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3. Lower Costs

Not to suggest doing away with an office altogether, but by allowing employees to work from home reduces the amount of office space you need and the associated overhead costs. Allowing your employees to work from home can reduce absenteeism, tardiness, and sickness; along with the associated costs of these to a business.
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4. Make Great Use of Technology

Working from home would be impossible for you or employees without the modern-day technology available these days. Technology is a critical enabler to communicate and collaborate instantaneously with colleagues. With faster internet connections, smartphones, cloud computing, instant messaging, and VoIP phone systems, it’s easy to set up home equipment and connect like being in the office.
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5. Support your CSR Policy

A CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) policy shows that your company is aware of, and aims to improve the social, economic and environmental impacts of what you do as a business. According to the Office of National Statistics, the typical carbon footprint of an office worker is 1.5 tonnes of CO2 per year, compared to 865 kg of a home worker. That’s a 42% difference! By giving employees the option to work from home and use the web technology we talked about above, can all help reduce their carbon footprint and support the environment.

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