Since the COVID-19 pandemic, many digital agencies and businesses were forced to implement remote working. Whilst lots of agencies and businesses are moving back to the office or implementing a hybrid system, many are sticking to remote working.
Let’s look at why remote working can work for your digital agency and some of the benefits for you as the employer, and the benefits for employees.
Benefits of Remote Working for Employers
Office Costs
Renting out an office can be expensive which is why a lot of agencies have decided to stick to remote working or have incorporated a hybrid system. Working from home is becoming increasingly popular, with some countries like Estonia having a majority of their workforce is entirely remote. This can bring down overhead costs and allow for more flexibility in terms of hours and location. In order to make remote working successful, agencies should consider investing in the right technology solutions that can facilitate communication and collaboration among their teams. This includes tools such as video conferencing software, instant messaging apps, project management applications, or cloud storage solutions.
Increased Productivity
According to research conducted by the CIPD, more than two-thirds (71%) of employers say that the increase in homeworking has either boosted or has made no difference to productivity. This means that over two-thirds of employers are more productive at home or find no difference and are happy to work from wherever. Remote working can be a challenge in the beginning for many people as there are lots of distractions around, but this is where routine implementation is crucial. If you have a good routine in place and avoid any distractions, then remote working can really work for you.
Flexible Working Hours
Working from home enables a lot of flexibility which increases well-being. Employers and employees don’t feel like they must stay at their desks from 9am until 5pm, but rather, they can create a working schedule that works for them whilst still attending meetings via Teams, Zoom, or Google Meets and feel that they have some freedom from the desk. At the end of the day, nobody wants to be chained to their desk!
Fewer Office Distractions & Interruptions
Let’s be honest. There’s always one colleague whom we love, but don’t know when to stop talking to. Well, WFH can give you the peace you deserve; enabling you to get work done. There are lots of people in an office every day, and the likelihood of you being interrupted is highly likely.
By working from home, you can eliminate the distractions and interruptions that may hinder your productivity in the office. You can create a workspace that is conducive to concentration, and you can control the level of noise and other environmental factors that may affect your focus. This can lead to higher quality work, fewer mistakes, and better time management.
Reduced Carbon Footprint
Remote working can significantly reduce the carbon footprint of both employers and employees. When people work from home, they do not need to commute to work, which means less carbon emissions from cars, buses, and trains. This can help to reduce air pollution and improve air quality in cities. In addition, fewer people commuting to work means less traffic congestion, which can also have a positive impact on the environment. Plus, you get to miss out on being crushed on public transport!
Benefits of Remote Working for Employees
Increased Job Satisfaction
A study carried out by Owl Labs showed that remote working can significantly increase job satisfaction. Working from home can provide a better work-life balance, as employees can avoid the stress and time commitment of commuting to work. This can lead to less burnout and more time for personal hobbies and interests, which can contribute to overall happiness and well-being. Additionally, remote working can provide employees with more control over their work environment, allowing them to create a comfortable and personalized workspace. This can lead to increased motivation and productivity, as well as a sense of autonomy and trust from their employer.
Reduced Commute Time and Costs
By working from home, employees can avoid a timely commute and save time and money on their daily commute. For digital agencies that work with clients in different locations, remote working can also eliminate the need for business travel. Instead of flying or driving to client meetings, remote workers can communicate via video conferencing or other digital tools. This can save both time and money, as well as reduce the environmental impact of business travel.
Mental & Physical Health Benefits
Many studies have shown that remote working promotes many mental and physical health benefits. By eliminating the need for a daily commute and providing more flexibility in working hours, remote workers have more time to focus on their physical and mental health.
For example, without the stress and time constraints of commuting, employees may be more likely to engage in regular exercise, which can improve cardiovascular health, reduce stress and anxiety, and boost overall mood. Remote workers may also have more time to prepare healthy meals.
Increase in Productivity
While some employers may worry that remote working could decrease productivity, many studies have shown the opposite to be true. In fact, remote workers often report higher levels of productivity and job satisfaction compared to their office-based counterparts.
There are several reasons why remote working can lead to improved productivity. Firstly, without the distractions and interruptions of the office, remote workers may be able to focus more effectively on their work. They can also avoid the stress and wasted time associated with commuting, which can leave them feeling more refreshed and energized for their workday.
Secondly, remote working can provide employees with more flexibility and control over their working environment, which can help to reduce stress and increase motivation.
Finally, remote working can also lead to increased collaboration and communication between team members. By using digital tools like video conferencing and instant messaging, remote teams can stay connected and work more efficiently, regardless of their physical location.
Conclusion & Things to Keep in Mind
In conclusion, remote working can prove to be massively successful and produces many benefits to both the employer and the employee, but it’s important to note that it needs to be integrated properly. The digital agency world is very demanding, so it’s important to ensure your team is on top of things and can work remotely.
Things to Consider
- Proper planning and implementation of a remote working system or hybrid system need to be established. This will give both employers and employees time to set up their home office space and ensures they have all the equipment and resources they need along with their input and feedback on what is working for them, and what is not working for them.
- Daily or regular check-ins should be a priority for your team. Working from home can be quite lonely, so have a daily catch-up and establish a healthy remote-working culture. It’s also worth conducting a mental health check-in on employees to find out how they are finding it and establish some flexibility in the system.