As lockdown continues to ease, your business is likely considering how the future of your office looks. While some roles require an office environment, many can be performed just as well remotely.
There are plenty of reasons why your business should consider going remote to some extent. Here are some of the benefits of embracing home working:
Costs
If you are serious about allowing your employees to work remotely, this would eliminate the need for an office big enough to accommodate your entire workforce. Instead, you could hire spaces as and when you needed to work together in person. It would also mean that expensive travel costs wouldn’t need to be consolidated with a higher salary.
Talent acquisition and retention
Staff you would otherwise lose as their daily commute becomes too much would be more likely to stay. When looking for the very best person to suit a new role, your options wouldn’t be narrowed to your region.
Productivity
If you’ve found that productivity has increased while your staff have been working from home, maybe it’s time to look at making this a more permanent arrangement. Being able to talk to a colleague face to face is essential for some people, but others struggle to work in a busy office environment.
Reduced absence
Office workers may be more inclined to take the whole day off just to avoid going into work when unwell. Allowing them to work from home instead, if they feel up to it, means they can still get some work done without putting them under pressure to be “present” both physically and in spirit at the office. It may prevent them passing illness around your team.
Sold on the idea of remote working? Consider this:
Flexibility
Homeworking is not for everyone. Some employees thrive on the very buzz that hinders the productivity of others.
Cyber Security
Protect your business and staff by investing in technology and training your team on the risks. The majority of cyber attacks rely on human error so equip your team with knowledge.
Data
Anyone who processes or controls data will need to take measures to ensure that this data is safe and secure when outside the office. Have a policy in place if they intend to work elsewhere to avoid a data breach.
Insurance
Talk to your insurance broker to check whether your business insurance can be extended to encompass those working from home.
Thinking of going down the remote-working route on a more permanent basis for your business? Get in touch with us on 01527 874092 to find out more about how your insurance can continue to provide cover beyond the office.
