Remote working not just a fad, is it part of mainstream employment and workforce planning globally.  In our digitally connected world, remote workers are considered valuable talent that is available now, regardless of geographic constraints.  Twenty years ago, that was not the case as employers were cautiously entering this unknown employment space.  Flexible work schedules or remote workplaces have been successfully utilized for the last two decades and evolve as the workforce changes. The benefits of remote working grow yearly for both employers and the employees.

Remote Working Here to Stay

The US Department of Labor conducted an American Time Use Survey in 2018.  The results indicated the following:

• 23% of all workers had some type of remote or work at home arrangement
• Remote working arrangements were equally valued and utilized by both men and women
• 80% of remote workers were in full-time positions
• Employees with advanced degrees were more likely to have this type of work schedule
• Employees entering the workforce with University Degrees, were more inclined to search for employment with a firm that offered remote or work at home positions

Benefits of Remote Working

If you still maybe unsure about the need to offer remote work plans in your firm, below are some statistics that might convince you to consider this workforce option:

• The World Economic Forum recently concluded that flexible work, including virtual teams are one of the biggest drivers of transformation in the workplace. Additionally, over the last decade young professionals primarily have leveraged the use of technology to work remotely allowing them to live and work a nomadic lifestyle.
• AfterCollege, a career network for college students and graduates found that 68% of the millennial job seekers indicted that having an option to work remotely would increase their interest in an employer.
• Remote working is not just to attract younger workers, it is for everyone. According to AARP many Americans are choosing to work past age 65 and flexibility is important to them.  Additionally, they often can fill part-time positions and work on weekends or holidays when others prefer to have time-off.

The reality is that remote working is here to stay. Research confirms that employees in the right job, with the right skills working remotely, are more productive, highly engaged and believe their overall quality of life is improved.

Companies with the most effective remote workplace strategies and capabilities gain the biggest benefits.  Now is the time to take action and focus more strategically on launching or building upon your remote workforce.  You’ll be surprised at the overall positive impact to your employees and your business.