The fast-paced world we now live in has made it possible for employers to run their businesses from everywhere. Before, one could only run a company from a physical office. Now, you can build a company even if you’re in the comfort of your own home. It is also because of technology today that you can allow your employees to work virtually from everywhere. For example, a reliable Cloud-based document management system allows you and your teams to access essential files wherever you may be.
But is it possible should you allow them to work remotely? This is a tricky question, considering not all businesses are the same. To help you make a decision, it pays to know the pros and cons of allowing your employees to telecommute.
Advantage #1: Increased productivity and efficiency
A study shows that telecommuting can make workers happier and more efficient. Not having someone monitoring your every move makes it easier to relax and work on your tasks comfortably. You also get to eliminate office distractions but still get to communicate effectively.
Disadvantage #1: Feelings of Isolation
When working in the office, you get to meet other people, socialize, and even build friendships. Working remotely could mean staying back home for hours or days with no contact with other people, making them feel lonely, isolated, and depressed. Thankfully, keeping up with other teammates with the use of today’s communication tools makes it easier to avoid feelings of isolation.
Advantage #2: Improved health
It takes time to travel to and from your office. If your employees live far from your business, it may take them one to three hours. This can drain their energy and affect their moods even before they reach their respective jobs. By working from home, they get less exposure to germs that they can catch by working with others in the office.
Disadvantage #2: Problem managing time effectively
Since no one is keeping an eye on everything you do, it can be easy to get distracted. One needs to set aside time to do your work apart from your other responsibilities. If you fail to manage your time responsibly, this can affect your work and the whole company as a whole. Effective time management and the use of time-tracking software are the key to avoiding such a problem from arising.
Advantage #3: Increased flexibility
Telecommuting allows employees to work from everywhere at flexible hours. They can work during the most convenient time in an environment where they can find themselves very comfortable and productive. Unlike when confined in offices, they get to achieve work-life balance. This often leads to better results.
Disadvantage #3: Missed career opportunities
When you let some of your workers to telecommute, it can be easy to overlook their skills and potentials. This is the same fear that some employees have when asked if they would prefer to work remotely. You can avoid this by keeping an open line of communication and monitoring each of your employees’ productivity.
Telecommuting has its pros and cons for both employees and employers. Are you confident that your employees have the dedication and excellent time management skills? If you are, then you and your employees can benefit from letting them work from home. Some many tools and systems make telecommuting a possibility. If this can significantly affect your business, then it’s worth to give it a try.
