Due to the increasing prevalence of working from home, many companies are considering hiring remote employees. A study by Global Workplace Analytics found that remote work has increased by 159% since 2005, with 4.3 million employees working remotely at least half the time in the U.S. alone.

Despite the many benefits of remote employment, some organizations might hesitate to make the change. Here are a few of the top reasons some employers are unsure about leaping into remote work:

• Communication challenges: It can be challenging to ensure that everyone is on the same page when dealing with a remote employee. However, communication may be just as effective as it is in an office setting with the correct procedures and tools in place. Tools like video conferencing and instant messaging can help in communication.

 

Since many remote workers are now hired internationally, some employers worry that there will be language barriers that could hinder job performance. Most international remote workers are located in the Philippines and have little to no language barriers because their country is ranked second among Asian countries in terms of proficiency in the English language.

• Trust and autonomy: Working remotely calls for a lot of trust and independence. When you are unable to personally monitor an employee’s performance, it might be unsettling to entrust them with crucial duties. However, you can make sure that you’re recruiting dependable, trustworthy, and independent workers with the proper hiring process and onboarding protocols.

 

• Lack of face-to-face interaction: Some organizations might be apprehensive about hiring remote workers because they believe that interpersonal ties and teamwork can only be fostered in person. Even though face-to-face engagement can be beneficial, keep in mind that distant teams can still forge close bonds and collaborate well. Regular check-ins, team-building exercises, and video conferences can promote collaboration and relationship development.

 

• Technical challenges: With the proper procedures and tools in place, remote work can be done just as effectively as in-office work. Project management software, cloud storage, and remote access to business systems are all tools that can enable remote workers to access the resources they need to perform their jobs well.

 

• Work-life balance: Some businesses worry that remote employment blurs the distinction between work and home life. However, you can ensure that remote workers can maintain a healthy work-life balance by establishing clear expectations.

 

Working remotely can be just as productive as working in an office if the proper methods, procedures, and attitude are used. By embracing remote work and investing in your remote workforce, you can reap the benefits while building a strong and productive team. A study by Stanford University found that remote workers experienced a 13% improvement in performance. They took fewer breaks and sick days than their office-based counterparts. Remote workers reported higher levels of job satisfaction and were more likely to stay with their current employer than on-site workers.

 

According to these figures, remote work can boost productivity, job happiness, and employee engagement, all of which benefit your company’s bottom line.