Remote work isn’t a new concept, but its popularity has skyrocketed over the past few years. Successful enterprises like IBM, Zapier, and Google have long been offering fully remote jobs, giving employees the flexibility they need to thrive. This work model is also popular among startups, as it enables them to cut costs, increase productivity, and tap into global talent.
Let’s say you decide to get into dropshipping. You can use an online store creator to build the website yourself easily, thanks to ready-made website templates that simplify the design process. However, you may still need help with search engine optimization (SEO), social media, copywriting, and other aspects of running an e-commerce business.
By hiring remote employees, you’ll have access to a wider talent pool and save on office rental costs, utilities, and even training. This approach can also make it easier to grow your team as needed while keeping costs low.
However, the benefits of having a remote workforce are not limited to cost savings. Let’s take a look at some perks you may not be aware of.
The Business Case for Remote Work
According to Remote’s 2024 Global Workforce Report, over 70% of companies worldwide have remote work policies. Leaders who embraced this trend report benefits like:
- Improved work-life balance for employees (40%)
- Higher productivity (37%)
- Increased employee engagement (34%)
- Reduced absenteeism (32%)
- Improved business performance (31%)
- Higher quality of job candidates (26.5%)
- Higher offer acceptance rates (24%)
- Enhanced employee satisfaction and loyalty (24%)
- Increased employee retention (23%)
Most respondents also agreed that remote work policies can reduce employee turnover, overhead costs, and recruitment expenses. Only 2% didn’t see any benefits from it.
Given these perks, it’s no surprise that more than 20% of respondents said they plan to hire 11 to 20 freelancers or independent contractors in 2025. Around 13% expressed their intention to hire 6 to 10 freelancers or independent contractors in the upcoming year.
Some benefits of having remote employees are pretty obvious, such as improved team morale and engagement. Others are not so evident but can still have a major impact on your business.
Let’s discuss the latter.
Increased Employee Engagement
In one survey, 76% of companies with 1–49 employees said their remote staff was “extremely” or “very” engaged. This percentage was even higher in small enterprises with up to 10 employees.
Remote work often feels more fulfilling than a traditional job, offering increased autonomy and flexibility. Employees have better control over their time and work environment, which can lead to higher engagement.
The absence of a daily commute and other traditional workplace stressors plays a role, too. Not only does it reduce physical and mental fatigue, but it also boosts employee morale, allowing workers to focus more fully on the tasks at hand.
Reduced Office Politics
A virtual work environment naturally reduces office politics, including negative behaviors like spreading rumors about others or withholding essential information. Such behaviors fuel employee stress and anxiety, resulting in diminished productivity and low morale.
Interactions tend to be more meaningful and task-oriented in remote work settings. For example, most employees use Slack or other communication platforms to share project updates, ask questions, or give feedback, not talk behind each other’s backs.
This transparency can improve team collaboration and minimize conflicts, leading to better work performance.
Expanded Business Hours without Overtime
Depending on their location, remote employees can work across multiple time zones and cover a broader span of business hours without requiring overtime. This aspect is particularly important for customer service teams and businesses targeting a global audience.
Take Amazon, for example. Its customer support team is distributed across multiple countries, ensuring timely responses to inquiries.
Similarly, Teladoc Health employs medical providers across multiple regions, enabling patients to schedule appointments around the clock. This allows the company to offer 24/7 access to consultations without hiring additional staff or asking healthcare providers to work long hours.
More Inclusive Work Environments
In most countries, employers are legally required to make reasonable adjustments for employees with disabilities or neurodiverse conditions, such as dyslexia and ADHD. This often involves creating more defined workspaces, investing in assistive technology, providing neurodiversity training for staff, and more.
A remote environment makes it easier to meet these conditions, which can lead to improved focus and productivity. For instance, employees with physical limitations can work from home and customize their offices as needed. Neurodivergent individuals, on the other hand, are less likely to experience sensory overload, a common problem in traditional work settings.
Attract Top Talent
Over 26% of the leaders surveyed by Remote in 2024 said this work model allows them to attract higher-quality candidates. Around 24% agreed that job applicants are more likely to accept their offers if a flexible work schedule is feasible.
In this digital age, many employees—especially those holding office jobs—expect to work remotely at least part-time. If you provide this option, you have a higher chance of attracting and retaining top talent.
As an added advantage, you can choose from the best employees, regardless of your location. If, say, you’re based in a small city or rural area, you can still hire top talent—and reap the benefits.
Lower Your Carbon Footprint
According to 2023 research, fully remote employees could have a 54% lower carbon footprint than those working on-site. The study also found that working remotely two to four days per week can reduce emissions by nearly one-third.
Traditional offices use a lot of energy for heating and cooling, lighting, IT infrastructure maintenance, and so on. This doesn’t even include the energy consumption associated with daily commuting.
A remote work policy could help your business become more sustainable by reducing its carbon footprint. This can serve as a selling point, making your enterprise more appealing to customers and job applicants. Plus, it’s a good way to cut operational costs and do your part in protecting the environment.
Reduce Employee Turnover
Remote work also eliminates many of the friction points that drive people to seek new jobs. Some examples could be the stress of commuting or the rigidity of a fixed schedule. On top of that, employees can do their jobs from anywhere and have more flexibility to balance work and family life.
For instance, a single parent who can work from home may find it easier to manage childcare. Therefore, they are less likely to quit their jobs due to work-life conflicts.
This increased autonomy and job satisfaction can reduce employee turnover and absenteeism rates, resulting in lower costs for employers. Some people value the flexibility of remote work so highly that they would choose it over a pay increase.
Transition to a Remote Workforce to Grow Your Business
Switching to a remote workforce might be one of the best things you can do for your business. Not only does it reduce costs and boost productivity, but it also promotes employee well-being and contributes to a greener planet. Plus, it’s an effective way to attract top talent and retain your best people.
Don’t try to change everything at once. Instead, start by giving some employees the option to work remotely.
Provide them with the tools they need to get things done, track their performance, and ask about the challenges they face. Meanwhile, set clear rules and expectations regarding their availability, work outcomes, and communication protocols.
