Remote work is a dream for many, but convincing your boss you should work remotely might not be. To make it easier, we’ve put together a list of the key benefits for both you, and your employer, in addition to our helpful Resources page. Our strategies and benefits to asking for flexible work we’re featured in Forbes, so we’d say they’re pretty effective.
For those that aren’t sure if remote work is for them, we’re here for you too. We share five reasons (backed by research) that remote work is so helpful. Despite this, we know remote work isn’t for everyone as some people need that office environment. Often though a healthy balance can make a world of difference.
So, here are some top reasons for you to kick your daily commute to the curb…
-
Remote Workers are 20% More Productive
- Yes, remote workers are more productive than those that don’t work remotely. This is largely due to time that’s wasted with interruptions and meetings in an office environment. What’s more, employees that work remotely are twice as likely to work more than 40 hours a week on important tasks. Stress the important tasks because remote workers are able to identify and work more productively on tasks that really make a difference.
-
Remote Work Saves Your Company Big Bucks
- Office space is expensive, as are office supplies, equipment, and events. Companies can save on average $11,000 a year for each flexible workers. That’s a lot of money that can go towards benefits, product / service improvements or more. Also, more than half of professionals have left a company or considered leaving because it lacked flexibility and turnover costs companies a ton each year. By lowering the rate of turnover, and having people working remotely companies can save hundreds of thousands each year.
-
Flexibility Creates More Loyal Employees
- Loyalty means higher productivity and decreased turnover (more $$ savings). As mentioned above, turnover is a huge issue for companies around the world. By having flexibility in your company, employees are more likely to want to work there and feel loyal to your organization.
-
Remote Workers are Healthier and Happier
- Healthier employees are more productive employees. On average, remote workers take less sick and personal days because they have that flexibility of working remotely. Additionally, the average commute is half-hour, which is about the same time it takes people to run three miles
-
Remote Workers are Inspired & Refreshed by a Change of Scenery and Adventure
- Working remotely means you have the ability to travel, while still working. Being away from the office, especially in a new city, allows for fresh perspectives. It also helps with increased creativity, new ideas, and new experiences. Remote workers should take advantage of that opportunity as much as possible continue fueling their creativity and innovation. An important thing to note as a traveling remote worker though is to not move too quickly. Staying in a new place for at least a month ensures you can be settled and productive. When moving more often than it’s easy to get burnt out.
To help sell your boss on the idea, suggest trying a remote work month during a slow period at the office. If you want to start even smaller, suggest a remote workday once per week. This will help to ease into it and show the benefits, like increased productivity. Then asking for a month remote will be a lot easier to swing!
For more tips on convincing your boss to let you work remotely, head to our Resources page.
