Last March, most companies sent their employees home to work remotely for a few weeks. At that time not many realized just how long it would last. Fast forward to months into the pandemic and it appears many corporate employees will be working remotely for at least the time being, if not indefinitely or even permanently.
With the majority of the country’s corporate workforce in home offices, a plethora of surveys and research is underway to gauge whether this is a trend to accommodate current circumstances or if the realized benefits of a remote workforce outweigh the negatives, and if it’s enough for companies to implement more permanent work-from-home policies. Notably, the benefits serve both employers and employees. In their research, Business Insider noted that more than two-thirds of companies may have their employees work from home permanently. 451 Research found that 67% of surveyed respondents expect that their work-from-home policies will become permanent or at least remain in place for the long-term.
Better overall for everyone
With the challenge of implementing and maintaining extensive safety measures required to reopen offices safely, alongside the risk of a company outbreak, it makes sense to keep employees working from home. Furthermore, there are numerous benefits remote employees are reaping as they report being happier and more engaged. Working from home has them less stressed without the hassle of commuting, being away from loved ones and workplace interruptions. The shake up COVID-19 has caused in offices across the country has led to an overall improved work-life balance for most of the corporate workforce.
Shedding costs
It’s not surprising that companies can save a ton of gravy moving their staff to home offices. But it’s not just employers that are saving money – cost savings are recognized on both sides of the occupational equation. Employers are finding that they can do more with less real estate and studies are showing just how inefficient and costly unused office space is. According to Global Workplace Analytics, a typical employer can save about $11,000 a year for every person who works remotely half of the time. Employees can save between $2,500 and $4,000 annually on things like wardrobe, gas, parking, car maintenance, lunches and coffee. And that’s just working remotely half the time. The savings are even greater if the employee is able to move to a less expensive area and/or work remotely full time.
Working remotely is eco-friendly
In the early days of the global response to COVID-19, there was an immediate and dramatic reduction in traffic, congestion and pollution. The fact is, there is no easier, quicker and cheaper way to lower our carbon footprint than by reducing commuter travel. Being relieved of having to commute is a major bonus for many. Additionally, remote working has promoted a paperless culture, and gives everyone the opportunity to limit overconsumption of heating, air conditioning and unnecessary lighting.
Flexibility in hiring and getting hired
The advantages gained by both employers and employees with remote work options are tremendous. It opens up an enormous pool of talent for hiring companies, and allows job seekers the joy of location independence – living just where they want while landing employment globally.
Addressing the challenges
Like any pivot to new terrain, working from home can bring with it some quandaries. Remote employees might feel isolated and may find collaborating with others challenging. But fortunately, keeping employees happy while they work from home indefinitely may not require costly investments. As millions of office workers remain at home, the likely permanent shift to remote work that has emerged has us asking: What does that mean for the future of at-home workspaces, and how does it change what employees need from their employers?
Outfitting the remote office
Gearing up home offices means bringing together a number of tools and tactics to help remote workers not only succeed, but feel satisfied and appreciated. Home office supplies that keep staff organized and productive include items such as:
- Personalized Post-it® Notes
- Custom whiteboards
- Branded wall and desk calendars
- Pocket folders
- “In a Meeting” door hangers
To bring some calm and comfort into the home office while keeping remote employees safe and working ergonomically means offering adaptable workstations, branded office supplies and safety products like ergonomic mouse pads and keyboards designed to minimize discomfort.
Contact with co-workers can be an essential source of support for some staff members. Companies can show appreciation for their remote workers and make them feel less isolated from their team by offering motivational gifts of gratitude and team-building promo items like:
- Branded apparel
- Mugs
- Tumblers
- Personalized pens and padfolios
- Notebooks with personalized covers
During a pandemic, it is too easy to reprioritize and overlook employee achievements, work anniversaries and other milestones. Employees need recognition and affirmations now more than ever to stay connected and feel appreciated. Awards, full-color and engraved plaques for recognition, or customized cards that offer congratulations, thanks and appreciation where it is most needed boost morale and anchor loyalty.
Once the pandemic is behind us, all roads are leading to employees expecting the option of working from home. Giving employees that flexibility along with the tools to work where they feel most effective will benefit both productivity and engagement. In our “Remote & Ready” Booklet, we focus on outfitting the remote workforce to be successful and illustrate what companies can do to show appreciation to their remote workers, and make them feel less isolated from their team.
We’re here for you
To make sure you’re giving your customers the information they need and to help them outfit their remote workforce, rely on us as your go-to resource for ideas and innovation. Navitor has ample options, ideas and support, and offers free content and marketing collateral for distributors like you that you can use as your own. Navitor members also have access to exclusive, more-detailed materials such as a social toolkit for each of the largest industries in need today, customizable eBooklets where you can add your own name and branding, and even the actual slides to the webinars we produce containing links and additional resources you can use with your customers.
This pandemic may have popularized the importance of working from home, but you could see it develop over the last few years. Many jobs can be done from the comfort of one’s own, and provided companies have the right means, I see this being more of the norm.