As business owners, it’s understandable to have concerns and reservations about implementing remote work policies. Decisions can affect teams, operations, and most of all the bottom line. Consequently, this blog article aims to explain and dispel common remote work myths.
Who knows? You could find compelling reasons remote work can be incredibly beneficial for your business. It can possibly lead to increased profit, cost savings, reduced employee turnover, and higher productivity.
Myth 1: Working from Home is Distracting.
Myth Debunked: When you picture an employee working from home do you picture someone surrounded by kids screaming? You might also think on-site employees are always at their desks typing away. The truth is, these remote work myths are often untrue. According to Office space utilization, data reveals that on-site employees were absent from their desks 50 to 60% even before transitioning to remote work. Meanwhile, remote work professionals often have dedicated workspaces where they can focus on work. Furthermore, Atlassian found that 76% of employees prefer to work at home when they need to concentrate on a crucial work task. Lastly, Prodoscore revealed that their team’s productivity rose by 47% during the pandemic lockdown while employees’ time emailing (57%) and collaborating through telephone (230%) skyrocketed.
Indeed, remote work allows virtual employees to make their own decisions about their work environment that is personalized to individual needs while limiting distractions. Employees can concentrate since they are comfortable in their work areas.
Business Benefit: Reduced distractions result in increased concentration and productivity, which contributes to improved profit margins.
Myth 2: It’s Hard to Collaborate.
Myth Debunked: Staying connected with remote teams has never been easier thanks to modern apps and platforms. Your virtual team has a variety of video conferencing or instant messaging apps to choose from such as Zoom, Google Meet, WhatsApp, and Slack. Furthermore, every on-site and online business already uses project management tools to collaborate… What’s wrong with taking the office out of the equation?
Choosing to work as a team doesn’t end where the physical space ends. In fact, Harvard Business Review stated that 74% of employees believe remote work tools are essential for collaboration. Meanwhile, 67% saw collaboration tools as must-haves for collaboration. Your company can schedule regular check-ins and team meetings to keep everyone in the loop.
Business Benefit: You can save on the rent you would spend on a meeting area or office, adding to your cost savings.
Myth 3: Remote Work Increases Employee Turnover
Myth Debunked: Some employers are hesitant about hiring a virtual team because they might get ghosted. The truth— you could very well lose your on-site employees even faster. 64% of workers expressed that they would consider leaving their jobs if they had to return to the office.
Conversely, offering remote work options demonstrates trust and flexibility, which are highly valued by employees. When employees have the freedom to balance work and personal life, job satisfaction tends to increase, leading to lower turnover rates.
Business Benefit: Lower employee turnover means you can retain experienced, knowledgeable staff, reducing recruitment and training costs. Additionally, a stable workforce contributes to smoother operations and higher productivity, ultimately benefiting your business’s profitability.
Myth 4: Career Development is Difficult.
Myth Debunked: Remote work doesn’t hinder career growth; in fact, it can enhance it. Virtual training programs, webinars, and online courses are readily available. Remote employees often have more time for skill development and self-improvement, which can lead to career advancement. This is evident in that 81% of the remote workers see upskilling as having boosted their productivity.
Business Benefit: Investing in employee development fosters loyalty and reduces turnover, saving recruitment and training costs.
Myth 5: Remote Work is Costly for Businesses.
Myth Debunked: According to Global Workplace Analytics, employers can save $11,000 on each onshore employee once transitioning to remote work. This means that while there may be some upfront costs associated with establishing remote work infrastructure, the long-term cost reductions frequently surpass these charges. Remote work can result in lower overhead expenditures for office space, utilities, and maintenance. Furthermore, businesses can access a worldwide talent pool, thus lowering labor expenses.
Business Benefit: Implementing remote work can result in significant cost savings over time, which can be reinvested in other areas of the firm to boost profitability. Access to a larger talent pool can also improve your workforce’s skills and capabilities, improving your bottom line even more.
The Bottom Line
It is critical for business owners considering working from home to debunk these remote work myths. This is especially important because shifting to the online workspace can help increase profit and cost savings while reducing employee turnover. With the correct tools and mindset, remote work may be a game changer for the success of your business.
Approach remote work with a reliable partner on your side with Managed Outsourced Virtual Employees or MOVE. Reach out to gain insights on your outsourcing journey.