When it comes to running your own small business, often the name of the game is to cut costs wherever possible. However, simply slashing your supply closet cost in half might not be enough. Thus, many business owners decide to allow their employees to work from home. This dramatically cuts the amount of office space you need as well as the utilities that would have incurred due to the amount of energy used. But, is allowing your employees to work from home really that effective for your business?
Does It Make Your Employees Happier?
One of the most common complaints made by both single and married employees is that they hate waiting in traffic. Of course, everyone has their own unique reason for wanting to stay at home, but most also cite achieving a better work-life balance as one of their main goals. So, in conclusion, yes, it does make your employees happier not to have to come into a physical office every morning.
Is It Really Safer?
There is always going to be a certain level of risk when performing any job. The question is, are employee injuries more prevalent when traveling and working within an office or when staying alone inside their home office? Some might say that working alone within an office leaves you at risk of taking a dangerous fall and having nobody there to help you, of course, drowsy driving is incredibly dangerous. The fact is that there is danger in both ends; this is why business owners should also consider the type of work being done. If its simple clerical work, then a home office, should be safer, however, if that also involves moving and shipping heavy packages, then the confines of an office and warehouse would be better for everyone.
Rate of Production
One of the biggest concerns for business owners when allowing their employees to work from home is if they are going to remain productive. It is much easier to slack off when the boss isn’t around, right? Fortunately, many companies around the country have found the opposite. According to a Global Workplace Analytics report, in just ten years of work from home jobs have increased an astonishing 110%. In addition, more production is being produced because employees no longer feel pressured nor distracted by home issues.
The Future Is Remote
As stated above, the landscape of business is quickly moving towards a stay at home formula. Therefore, it would be in the owner’s best interest to quickly adapt and be ready for when the industry completes its shift. Starting now will allow you to adjust and prepare to properly support remote employees. Not offering this type of flexibility may lead you to lose talented candidates to the competition.
Work from home positions are relatively new, but they are by no means decreasing. Therefore, it is imperative that business owners begin to plan out a strategy in how they can begin to offer this type of option to their employees.
Here’s another article you might like: 5 Ways to Protect Your Home Business as You Grow