The 5 benefits of remote working, and why you should switch over

Since the start of this global pandemic many of us questioned whether it was safe to continue working, whether it was from an office, warehouse, shopping centre or cafe. Since March thousands of workers had to switch over from commuting to work, to then working from home. 

Some would say they have struggled to find the balance, especially when juggling children at home, making business calls without interruption and ensuring their productivity levels didn’t decline. But, in recent findings,Technology Connected found that 42% of businesses felt they were already fully prepared for remote working once the pandemic began.

In saying this, there are proven benefits as to why you should consider switching over to remote work.

Here’s our top five tips:

  1. Since the pandemic began, 94% of businesses felt they were able to adapt to remote working; all thanks to technology. For example, emails, video calls, integrated software platforms, electronic diaries and wireless Internet have all been able to assist remote workers during this time. 
  2. A record figure of 65% of businesses found they weren’t seeing a drop-off rate in productivity since the rise of the crisis. In fact, almost a fifth of businesses felt their staff had actually become more productive. 
  3. When we talk about the importance of mental health, 10% of businesses are now actively introducing mental health measures for staff, whilst 52% have said this is something they’re looking to implement. This demonstrates that businesses can switch over to remote work as long as they are willing to put in place OH&S procedures and mental health check-ins. 
  4. The hiring process has shortened with remote working as more recruiters and candidates are using video interviewing. No need to bring your candidates to the office, all that’s required is a laptop/tablet/phone and a video conferencing setup. Still not convinced? Here at Discovered People we believe in using this method of video interviewing so much, that even once the pandemic has subsided we’ll keep using video interviewing.
  5. Worried about the future of recruitment? Despite the now more common practice of remote working, 59% of businesses are optimistic about recruitment for the rest of 2020, and with that, 21% are even considering hiring remote workers even after restrictions have been lifted. 

Seeing the changes we’ve had to experience in our daily working lives have been eye-opening and challenging. As for the future of companies, businesses and individuals, remote working can be the answer if you’re willing to try it for yourself. Switching over from something you’re so used to can feel foreign and unsettling, but the figures speak for themselves, and without making this change or slight adjustment, you may fall behind. 

From the above points mentioned, it looks like the shift in people’s thoughts on remote working could be one of the best things to come from this current situation. Remote working has the potential to open doors for employers, employees and candidates.