Benefits Administration, Employee Engagement

Working Remotely Delivers Incentive for Employers

April 29, 2020 | Winston

Working remotely for many has always been a part of their day-to-day, as their job requires them to work from home or from the road offering flexible hours. While it is not a new concept for some, it has grown over the years and is quickly becoming one of the most desirable benefits an employer can offer, even if a job doesn’t necessitate it.

According to telecommuting statistics, there are 4.3 million remote workers in the U.S., making up 3.2% of the workforce. The same report says that 40% more U.S. companies are offering remote work as an option versus five years ago. And it is estimated that we will see 25-30% of the workforce working at home on a multiple-days-a-week basis by the end of 2021.1

In the past, companies may have been reluctant to offer remote work options, but now that many are face-to-face with it, they will have to consider this as an option in the future. It may be a difficult adjustment, but this is where HR can help make a difference for employees as their demand for flexibility will continue to rise. As a strategic partner, HR has the opportunity to build a benefits program that includes a flexible model that can not only help attract talent but increase employee retention, productivity, and quality of life. But these remote work options aren’t just an incentive for employees; employers can benefit as well:

Hiring: 97% of job seekers are interested in being a flexible worker in the long-term. Offering flexible work options can help attract well-educated professionals with solid experience who come from a variety of backgrounds.2

Retention: 80% of employees said they would be more loyal to their employers if they had flexible work options (up from 75% in 2018).2

Productivity: 65% of employees said they would be more productive working from home than working in a traditional office environment due to fewer distractions (74%), fewer interruptions from colleagues (72%), reduced stress from commuting (70%), and minimal office politics (64%).2

Wellness: 78% of employees said having a flexible job would allow them to be healthier (eat better, exercise more, etc.), and 86% said they’d be less stressed.2

By integrating flexibility into the workplace, it can deliver a higher return on investment and show how an organization is committed to modern-day benefits offerings. As the future of the benefits industry continues to evolve, Winston’s leadership helps companies adapt. We partner with HR teams to extend their reach, so even when employees are remote, access to HR, benefits, and enrollment is easily accessible.

1Global Workplace Analytics
2FlexJobs 2019 Annual Survey

 

Disclaimer:  This content is strictly informational and should not be used as specific advice on insurance products, legal, accounting, and/or tax related matters. Insureds should always contact the appropriate licensed professional for their insurance, legal, accounting, or tax needs.

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