Top Benefits of Telecommuting That Prove It’s Here To Stay

Remote work has become more than just a perk — it’s a work arrangement many people expect.



With flexible scheduling, better work-life balance, fewer sick days, and reduced commuting time, remote work makes employees happier, and employers are reaping the rewards, too. Reduced operational costs and increased productivity are just some of the benefits that await business owners willing to embrace remote work. 



Telecommuting often conjures up  remote work challenges , such as, “How will I know if the work is actually getting done? And what does it take, technically speaking, to work remotely?”



Whether you’re running a  small business  or a  larger enterprise , having a successful virtual workspace or hybrid team in-house is possible, but not without the right tools and structure in place.



If you’re still wondering whether the benefits of telecommuting are worth the effort, this guide is for you. 



What Is Telecommuting?



Telecommuting, also known as remote work or work from home, is an arrangement where full-time or part-time employees perform their duties outside of a traditional office setting. They typically use technology such as laptops, phones, and video conferencing tools to complete tasks and stay connected with colleagues.



Incorporating telecommuting into your competitive strategy is necessary in today’s business climate.



 “Hybrid is no longer just an employee perk but an employee expectation,” says Ranjit Atwal, Senior Director Analyst at Gartner. 



With an overwhelming 98% of employees wanting to work remotely, at least part-time, organizations that don’t offer this option significantly limit their available talent pool, putting them at a competitive disadvantage.



If that stat wasn’t enough to sway you, here’s more:




Over  32% of workers  would accept a pay cut for the chance to work remotely full-time.



About a third of U.S. workers  who can work from home now do so all the time.



Nearly  40% of global knowledge workers  will be hybrid employees by the end of 2023.



More than half of employees  say that remote work options will impact whether they remain in their jobs.




The fact that employees want remote work can’t be ignored. But a part-time approach is one that companies are adopting as a compromise, with many asking employees to spend two to three days per week in the office. 



Many more workers are expected to be heading back to the office by the fall of 2024, predicts Gartner, with the number of remote employees expected to continue to fall year over year.



Remote work decreasing year over year (via Gartner)



According to workplace flexibility expert Brian Elliott, “the five-day work-week is officially  dead .” However, he also points out that a fully remote model isn’t suitable for everyone, mainly because it overlooks the advantages of in-person interactions in fostering team trust and a strong workplace culture.



The good news is, there are plenty of perks when it comes to making the switch. And the advantages of telecommuting extend to employees and employers alike, so there’s something in it for everyone.