Remote work is no longer a novelty—it’s reality. While in-person collaboration still has its place, many of us have discovered the benefits of working remotely, and there’s no going back. Managers are seeing the upsides too, from improved productivity to happier teams. But what are the other benefits?
Working from home (WFH) benefits employees and businesses alike. As it turns out, employees don’t miss the commute at all (surprise), and they certainly notice the control WFH gives them over their workplace. With improved work-life balance comes lower stress levels, and managers are delighted to see that this leads to greater productivity.
The benefits of working from home are too many to list in one paragraph—we could probably write a whole blog post on them (and we have!). Read on to discover how WFH can be a game-changer and the essential tools you’ll need to make it work.
1. Increased Productivity
Perhaps the greatest benefit of working from home is that workers feel more productive. A 2023 study found that as many as 51% of workers report getting more done away from the office. And when you think about it, that’s not really surprising. With fewer distractions and a personalized workplace, employees have everything they need to thrive. That they’re likely happier at home makes a difference too. Oxford University reports that happy workers are 13% more productive on average. What’s not to love?
Well, not everyone’s convinced. The obvious drawback to WFH is the lack of in-person contact. Without the right digital workplace tools and resources, communication, coordination and motivation can suffer.
Looking to boost productivity for your remote team? Discover how HulerHub streamlines digital workflows to keep employees engaged and focused.
2. Better Work-Life Balance
Being in the office means employees can’t manage their work in the way that best suits them. They have to show up, work and then leave at a time and location that’s right for the company. And when we factor in the commute, there’s not much time left in the day for personal stuff. No lunchtime run, no picking the kids up from school—just a rigid schedule that doesn’t fit real life.
It might seem like all the talk is about employees, but the companies they work for benefit too. With a greater focus on health and work-life balance, businesses that allow WFH see fewer sick days along with improvements in retention, engagement and overall job satisfaction. This all has a positive impact on the bottom line.
The Benefits of Hybrid Working – Explore how flexible models enhance work-life balance.
3. Cost Savings for Employees
With the cost of gas soaring, it’s not surprising that many employees are keen to save money commuting. After all, they’re not compensated for the time or money spent getting to the office. Another benefit of working from home is that employees stand to save thousands of pounds annually on costs like fuel, public transport and vehicle maintenance.
Of course, it’s not all about the employee. With fewer workers in the office, companies can cut their overheads by downsizing. Fewer employees on-site means lower expenses for office equipment, electricity and general maintenance. That sounds like a win-win to us!
Ready to build a cost-efficient, remote-friendly workplace? See how HulerHub supports hybrid and remote teams.
4. Access to a Global Talent Pool
The job market is shaped by fierce competition for top talent, which can make finding the right people for your business tough. Recent trends have seen employers increasing salaries to attract and retain staff.
In a world where hiring is hard, working from home offers a solution. It means hiring is no longer limited by geography, so there are more skilled professionals available for each vacant position. That’s a big benefit for companies away from the big cities, which struggle to compete with higher salaries and larger talent pool. By embracing remote work, businesses can level the playing field by attracting workers who value flexibility as much as pay.
What Does Work from Anywhere Mean? – Learn how companies attract top talent with remote-friendly policies.
5. Environmental Benefits
Fewer people commuting means fewer people on the road. With climate action taking a greater role in business strategy, companies looking to cut their carbon footprint can do so by empowering their employees to work remotely.
The impact of WFH on the environment shouldn’t be understated. A Cornell-Microsoft joint study found that remote workers have a 54% lower carbon footprint compared with onsite workers. What’s more, it found that hybrid work technologies have a negligible impact on greenhouse gas emissions. So it’s clear that remote work is a win for the planet too.
Want to better support your team’s mental health? Remote work empowers employees with the tools and flexibility they need to thrive—improving wellbeing, boosting engagement, and creating a healthier workplace for everyone.
6. Lower Employee Turnover
Among the biggest reasons for workers leaving a role are burnout and a poor work-life balance. We’ve mentioned the positive effect WFH can have on employee wellbeing, so it’s not surprising that remote workers are more content in their roles. Perhaps it’s something to do with feeling more trusted, but whatever the case, remote workers are more likely to stay in their jobs for longer. And for managers, that’s good news! They can spend less time on training and recruitment, which makes everyone more productive.
Want to retain your best talent? Discover 5 ways to keep remote employees engaged.
7. Better Physical and Mental Health
Being away from the office means employees have more time to focus on the stuff that matters to them. Many choose to spend this extra time on exercise. Workers spend one hour each day commuting, so getting that back could be the difference between going to the gym or not. But even if the time back isn’t used for exercise, that doesn’t mean it’s time wasted. Having more energy to spend with family or on a hobby can have a big impact on mental health. All of this means reduced anxiety and burnout, which is good news for business.
8. Personalised Workspaces
While open-plan offices can be a great way to boost collaboration, they’re not without distractions. Conversations, phone calls and background noise make it harder for some to find the focus they need. Another benefit of WFH is that employees have full control over their workplace. For many, this means having the freedom to adjust noise levels, set up an ergonomic desk and choose the right lighting, all of which contribute to comfort and productivity.
9. Greater Inclusivity and Accessibility
To maximize their potential, every employee needs extra support from time to time. Unfortunately, it’s often the case that people who need it most are the least likely to receive it. Moving jobs or losing out on opportunities for career advancement are the usual outcomes.
Can remote work help with this? Absolutely. A study published in the Harvard Business Review found that when companies offered flexible work schedules, the number of women and people of color in management positions increased. In fact, flexible work arrangements had a greater impact than many DEI initiatives. So, it’s clear that remote work can be a powerful way to boost diversity, resulting in a more inclusive work environment.
10. Enhanced Creativity and Innovation
The benefits of remote work combine to drive creativity and innovation within teams. With fewer distractions, more autonomy and access to a global talent pool, companies empower their employees to think outside the box. By embracing digital tools that bring workers together, businesses can foster a culture of creativity that’s unbounded by the constraints of an office setting.
The Future of Work Is Remote—Are You Ready?
With all the benefits of remote work, it won’t be going away anytime soon. From productivity gains to enhanced creativity and innovation, it’s a no-brainer for most organizations to make the shift. And as the workplace continues to evolve, businesses that embrace the flexibility of remote work will be the ones to attract top talent and drive long-term success.
Is your company making the most of remote work? HulerHub is an employee experience platform designed to enhance how remote and in-office teams connect with their work and one another. We aim to bridge the gap between technology and people, creating innovative solutions to challenges that arise in the modern workplace. Curious to see how it works? Book your demo, and let’s make it happen.
Oh, and if you’d like to learn more about remote working patterns, here are a few more posts we think you’ll love:
- What Is Hybrid Working?
- The Benefits of Hybrid Working
- What Does Work from Anywhere Mean?
- Embracing Diversity and Inclusion in the Age of Remote Working
- 5 Ways to Keep Remote Employees Engaged
