Last year due to the pandemic, almost overnight businesses were forced to transform themselves to facilitate remote working. Now nearly a year on and with a light at the end of the tunnel, many businesses are starting to think about their long-term hiring strategy and how remote working fits in. In this article we are going to discuss 4 main reasons why remote working should be included in your long-term hiring strategy.
Remote working will help retain current employees.
In a recent survey by FlexJobs, they asked employees how they felt about remote working post-pandemic. An astonishing 65% of people said they wanted to work remotely full-time post pandemic and 31% said they wanted a mix of office and remote working. (FlexJobs survey) The pandemic has forced businesses and employees to adapt, breaking cultural and technological barriers which prevented remote work previously. As a result, many people have become used to working from home and the flexibility that comes with it.
What’s more, many employees feel like they have proven their abilities to work from home during the pandemic, earning their employers trust to do so going forward. As a result, many businesses such as Twitter, Shopify and Facebook announced their employees can work from home ‘forever’, declaring that for them ‘office centricity is over.’ (Tobi Lutke, Shopify).
Increase productivity and reduce costs.
Remote work is not just about employee satisfaction, countless studies have also shown it increases productivity, with remote workers performing longer, better, faster and taking fewer sick days. (www.shrm.org) However, that’s not to say employee satisfaction doesn’t play a role in their higher productivity, with engaged employees showing a 21% greater profitability compared to nonengaged employees. (www.forbes.com) In addition, businesses are benefiting from cost savings due to real estate expenses and non-real estate expenses such as rent, cleaning services, food and taxes. (www.business.com) Whilst employees are also saving on travel expenses and eating out costs. Which also has an impact on the greater environment, reducing our carbon emissions through travel and reducing our plastic consumption through food packaging.
Attracting new talent.
With many businesses now offering remote work as a norm, reluctant employers will now be a step behind when it comes to attracting new talent. Businesses that have embraced remote work are not only offering a sought-after working structure, but they are also expanding their talent pool, so they are no longer restricted by office location. As a result, businesses are able to connect with candidates based on their skills and suitability, no matter what their location or country of residence is. Which in turn encourages a more diverse and inclusive workforce.
Employer of Record (EOR)
By expanding their talent pool globally, many businesses are utilising employer of record services in order to employ staff in international countries. An Employer of record (EOR) or professional employer organisation (PEO) refers to a business that legally employs someone on your behalf, which includes taxes, benefits, insurances, visa applications and payroll. It is an ideal service for businesses that are looking to attract new international talent or retain current talent who are looking to relocate. An employer of record ensures you are compliant with international employment laws, such as taxes and regulations, whilst removing any liability from your business. If you would like to find out more about Employer of Record services, please contact: Simon Duff on [email protected], +44 (0) 1625 537 555 ext 119
