7 primary benefits of remote work

This article is a submission by Remotely Philippines. Remotely Philippines is a full-range professional services firm offering accounting, assurance, advisory, and consultancy to businesses in various fields.

We’re now entering the fifth year of the remote work era, a revolution sparked by the Covid-19 pandemic. 

It’s fascinating to observe the seismic shifts in the workplace dynamics that have unfolded.

 Remote work was once an uncommon concept. It has seen an increase in popularity and adoption in the past five years. The number of remote employees tripled between 2019 and 2021. 

According to Forbes, in 2023, 12.7% of the workforce enjoyed the flexibility of working remotely, a number that’s expected to climb to 22% by 2025.

 The appeal of virtual work lies in its immediate advantages. Yet, the impact of this work setup extends far beyond these immediate gains. 

As we continue to embrace this work model, the subtle yet profound benefits of remote work are becoming increasingly apparent. It is reshaping our world in ways we’re only beginning to understand.

7 benefits of remote work

These benefits of remote work resonate strongly with employees and directly impact their professional and personal lives.

1. Environmental advantage

One of the most obvious benefits of remote work is the reduction in time spent commuting, which leads to a significant decrease in carbon emissions.

 The Guardian highlights that transitioning to remote work can slash an individual’s carbon footprint by up to 54%. Furthermore, even a partial remote work schedule of two to four days a week can cut greenhouse gas emissions by as much as 29%.

 Beyond the commute, remote work also reduces the need for office utilities and resources, which helps promote a more eco-friendly lifestyle for employees. 

2. Cost savings for employers

The benefits of remote work aren’t limited to employees alone; employers are also reaping significant advantages. 

The shift towards remote and hybrid work models means reduced office space requirements, leading to lower rent and utility costs. 

According to a recent study conducted by Stanford, companies can save up to $2,000 per employee. Overall, the transition to remote work has made profound changes in: 

• Business operations
• Employee lifestyles
• Societal norms

Jobs that were once tied to office spaces are now being performed from the comfort of workers’ homes, which illustrates the adaptable nature of work. 

As millions adapt to working remotely, we’re witnessing a collective transformation that promises to deliver lasting benefits across multiple facets of life.

3. Empowering women in the workforce

Remote work has emerged as a game-changer for women. It provides them with unprecedented flexibility to juggle their professional responsibilities with their caregiving and household duties.

Data from the pre-pandemic era already showed a positive correlation between remote work opportunities and the employment rates of working mothers. 

The pandemic’s acceleration of remote work acceptance has further enabled women to perform well in their careers. This represents a significant step toward workplace inclusivity. 

4. Promoting family growth

 The flexibility afforded by remote work has also had a noticeable impact on family planning. 

The U.S. witnessed a surge in births in 2021, an increase attributed to the rise in remote working. Through remote work, many Americans gained the flexibility to achieve their desired family size, reversing a 13-year trend of declining birth rates. 

5. Reducing turnover

 Employee turnover is a significant challenge for any organization, as it can lead to: 

• Increased recruitment costs
• Loss of internal knowledge
• Disruption in team dynamics

To reduce the risk of turnover, employers can explore remote work.

 According to a 2023 report by Buffer, workers in the U.S. continue to perceive remote work very positively. 98% of the respondents expressed a desire to work remotely at least part of the time.

 This sentiment is not surprising. Remote work offers employees the flexibility to create a working environment that fits their personal and professional lives, leading to higher job satisfaction.

 As discussed above, it provides an opportunity for employees who may have had to leave their jobs due to relocation or other life changes to stay with the company, thereby reducing turnover rates.

 Additionally, it opens up the talent pool to those who may not have been able to participate in a traditional office setting, including primary caregivers or persons with disabilities.

6. Increased team productivity

The relationship between employee engagement and productivity is well-documented, and remote work plays a crucial role in fostering both.

Remote employees often report higher levels of job satisfaction, which directly correlates with increased productivity. By eliminating the commute, workers reclaim time and energy that can be redirected toward their professional tasks.

Remote work also allows for a quieter environment where they can concentrate without the typical office distractions. This autonomy enables employees to work in a way that maximizes their productivity, whether they’re early birds or night owls.

As such, it’s easier to meet corporate objectives with greater efficiency. Remote workers are able to work in a manner that plays to their strengths and individual productivity rhythms.

Additionally, with the use of collaborative technology and project management tools, teams can stay connected and coordinated, ensuring that productivity is maintained or even enhanced in a remote setting.

7. Gain access to a wider talent pool

The demographic landscape of the workforce is shifting: a significant portion of the current workforce will be reaching retirement age within the next decade.

In fact, adults aged 65 and older are projected to represent 8.6% of the labor force by 2032, an increase from 6.6% in 2022. This demographic shift signals an urgent need for businesses to attract younger talent to fill the impending gap. 

The next generation of workers, especially those under age 30, are not only entering the job market in vast numbers but also bringing with them in-demand skills and a different set of expectations from their employment. 

They seek roles that offer more than just a paycheck—careers that provide opportunities for growth, flexibility, and a harmonious blend of work and personal life.

How the benefits of remote work will affect the future

For businesses, remote work can be a good response to this shift. By allowing remote work, even smaller businesses can compete with larger corporations in attracting young talent, as it affords them the flexibility that they value.

In the same vein, remote work can also be an inclusive strategy to retain the invaluable experience of older workers who may prefer not to commute or require more flexible scheduling due to health or personal reasons.

This is also where the strategic value of outsourcing to remote-first companies comes into sharp focus. 

Outsourcing opens the door to a worldwide talent pool. It allows companies to tap into the skills of young professionals from diverse backgrounds, regardless of their geographical location.

Remote work is more than a trend; it’s a permanent shift in our global work culture.