5 Main Reasons Why Organizations Should Embrace the Virtual Working Strategy
Today, more companies are embracing having a virtual workforce. The Covid-19 pandemic brought many changes in how many things were done previously. Company leaders have had to find new ways of doing things to remain relevant. One of the adjustments is allowing their staff to work from home. That has helped to curb the spread of coronavirus in workplaces.
Before the pandemic, most organizations had introduced the use of shared workspaces. However, that would change because many employees prefer working virtually because of the benefits they have reaped from the strategy. Company leaders whose employees haven't started virtual working are yet to experience the benefits. They may not understand that nothing gets interrupted when their staff works from home. Below are five top reasons why company managers should consider embracing the virtual working strategy:
1. Higher Productivity and Focus
When employees work from the office, they waste a lot of time which they should use in productive things. Most times, office meetings start late and finish late. That makes everyone involved waste time that they could be using on essential matters. Besides, working from the office sometimes hinders real-time decision-making since employees wear headphones or close office doors whenever they are busy and don't want to be disturbed.
Also, staff members spend the whole lunch hour at their designated area while those working from home often have lunch while working. Employees who work from the office have a mentality of working for eight hours each day, while virtual workers have flexible schedules. Company leaders need to understand that having their employees working remotely doesn't mean they will never meet physically. When you introduce the virtual working strategy in your company, when your staff comes together, they will be more productive and focused for the organization's benefit.
2. Reduced Operational Costs
Having fewer staff members in the office reduces operational costs. You will reduce the amount you pay for office space, purchasing of furniture, among other expenditures. Many large organizations pay almost 35% of the amount spent on each employee on overhead costs. If your workers provide virtual services, you will not need some of these operational costs. You can then use the cash to pay more salaries to your staff, contract more employees or increase your revenue.
3. Ability to Get Employees from Different Localities
If looking to have your staff working from the office, you are likely to consider qualified candidates who live within the locality or those willing to relocate. You will also have to comply with the labor rates set in your area. However, having a virtual workforce will enable you to employ workers from different parts of the world. You will get more talented candidates and affordable resources from other locations.
4. Boosts Workers' Morale
Working from home enables employees to enjoy a morale boost. Virtual working helps staff members improve work-life balance and avoid workplace stress. Remote workers understand that their organizations offer them the opportunity because they appreciate and trust them. The main morale booster for workers happens when they don't have to commute to the workplace every day.
They can spend the commute time doing other productive things such as working out, spending time with loved ones, among other things. That means they concentrate on their jobs more, take fewer sick days, and have more time to handle other essential matters and work on new assignments.
5. Reduced Threats of Exposure to Natural Calamities and Ailments
Employers who work from the office face more risks than Covid-19. They may face natural calamities such as earthquakes and floods, among others. If your company is located in a zone prone to any natural disaster, that affects your whole business. Many company employees face health issues and ailments each day.
Working in the same office increases the chance of transmitting some diseases. Having many people in one locality increases the chances of virus and bacteria incubation since they share telephones, stationery, door handles, furniture, and other office items. Having your workers provide virtual services can help minimize exposure to diseases and natural disasters.
Bottom Line
Although not all job roles can thrive in the remote working strategy, several can benefit from it. If you embrace the idea, you will eventually enjoy the results it brings, as earlier mentioned. When the pandemic is over, it will be essential for company leaders to compare whether it would be better for their employees to continue working remotely or go back to working from the office. More companies might embrace the strategy after learning its benefits in the end.