4 Reasons Why Your Employees Want to Work Remotely and How to Address Them

Are you having a hard time filling open positions? It could be because your employees want jobs that allow them to work remotely. A recent study found that remote jobs are growing in popularity, with 43% of job seekers saying they want to telecommute at least part-time. If you're not sure how to address this trend, don't worry! We're here to help. In this blog post, we discuss the four main reasons why employees want remote work and provide tips on how you can accommodate them. Let's get started!

1. Freedom from Commute and Time Spent in Traffic

One of the biggest reasons employees want to work remotely is to avoid wasting time to commute. A study by Global Workplace Analytics found that the average commute time in the US is 26 minutes. That means that the average employee spends more than 2 hours every week just traveling back and forth to work!

Offering your employees the ability to work remotely, even just a few days a week, will help them reclaim that lost time. And, as an added bonus, you'll help reduce your company's carbon footprint!

How to Address It:

If you're not ready to commit to full-time remote work, consider offering employees the ability to telecommute a few days a week. You can also look into ways to make commuting easier for your employees, such as offering remote parking or subsidizing public transportation costs.

Another option is to allow employees to work from home one day a week. This can be a great way to test the waters of remote work without making a big commitment. Plus, it can help employees develop a better work–life balance as they won't have to spend as much time commuting.

If you decide to allow remote work, be sure to set clear guidelines and expectations. Define which types of tasks can be completed remotely and how often employees need to check in with their managers. You should also provide employees with the resources they need to be successful, such as a remote work policy and access to remote collaboration tools.

By offering remote work options, you can help your employees avoid wasting time commuting. Plus, you'll also be able to attract and retain top talent in your business.

2. Better Quality of Life

In addition to saving time, working remotely can also lead to a positive work life balance. When employees don't have to commute, they can use that extra time to exercise, spend time with family, or just relax. As a result, they're likely to be happier and healthier.

Remote work options help employees achieve a better work experience. With remote work, employees can design their own schedules and take breaks when they need to. That flexibility can lead to less stress and a more positive outlook on work.

How to Address It:

If you want to improve your employees' quality of life, consider offering remote work options. You can also look into ways to make your office more flexible, such as allowing employees to create their own schedules or take breaks when they need to.

In addition, provide employees with the resources they need to maintain a healthy lifestyle. This could include access to remote fitness classes or mental health services. You can also offer discounts on healthy food or gym memberships.

By offering remote work options and flexible office policies, you can help your employees achieve a better work–life balance. Plus, you'll also see an improvement in their overall health and well-being.

3. Ability to Focus on the Job at Hand Without Distractions

In a physical office, there are always distractions—whether it's noisy co-workers, meetings that run long, or impromptu drop-ins from the boss. Such distractions can make it hard for employees to stay focused on the task at hand.

With remote work, most employees can avoid these distractions and stay focused on their work. When working remotely, employees can create their own distraction-free work environment. They can also take breaks when they need to, without having to worry about disrupting their workflow or work schedule.

How to Address It:

If you want to help your employees focus on their work, consider offering work-from-home opportunities. You can also look into ways to create a more distraction-free office, such as providing quiet spaces for employees to work or holding meetings in remote locations.

In addition, provide employees with the resources they need to stay focused on their work, such as remote collaboration tools or productivity tracking software. You might also offer training on time management and goal setting.

Remote work options and a distraction-free office environment can help your employees stay focused on their work. Plus, you'll also see an improvement in their overall productivity when you offer more flexibility.

4. Improved Inclusivity

Remote work is a great way to improve inclusivity for employees with disabilities or caregiving responsibilities. When employees can work from home, they don't have to worry about finding accessible office space or dealing with the daily commute. They can also take breaks when they need to take care of family members without asking for permission.

How to Address It:

If you want to improve inclusivity for your employees, consider offering work-from-home options. You can also make your office more accessible, such as by providing remote working tools or offering transportation assistance. In addition, try to provide employees with the resources they need to succeed in their roles, such as access to remote training or mentorship programs.

Work-from-home opportunities and an inclusive office environment can help your employees feel welcome and respected. Plus, you'll also see an improvement in their overall satisfaction and performance.

Remote work can be a great way to improve employee satisfaction, productivity, and even physical health. If you're considering offering remote work options, keep these benefits in mind.