Teleworking may not be a brand-new concept, but holding a remote worker position used to be incredibly rare. That is, until the COVID-19 pandemic. Over the past few years, many employees have thoroughly enjoyed the benefits of working from their homes. In fact, Buffer’s 2023 State of Remote Work study revealed that 98% of remote employees would like to continue teleworking.
Remote work can also greatly benefit employers in various ways. Regarding finances, Global Workplace Analytics estimates that switching employees to a half-remote work schedule could save businesses over $10,000 per person each year. Teleworking can also improve employee morale, as also suggested by Buffer’s study. In this respect, workers would likely maintain a more positive attitude towards their positions.
The Downside Risks of Remote Work
Though employers and workers alike generally enjoy the unique benefits of remote work, there are still challenges that may arise. For example, a 2023 U.S. Chamber of Commerce and RSM survey concluded that almost 75 percent of remote workers felt symptoms of depression and anxiety, likely due to their lack of face-to-face interaction with others.
Not only can poor mental health negatively affect workers’ personal lives, but it could potentially lower their work productivity, eventually becoming a major threat to the business itself. To ensure remote workers can maintain their well-being and productivity, it’s imperative to first recognize the potential struggles that remote workers could face. Some of the most pressing challenges regarding telework include:
- Lack of motivation
- Loneliness
- Frequent distractions
- Depression
- Difficulty unplugging
Positive Aspects of Remote Work
For many employers and their workers, the benefits of teleworking far outweigh the downsides. However, offering special perks and benefits to remote workers can motivate them to raise their productivity. If you’re unsure of what benefits to offer, consider these options:
Allowance for Office Supplies
Even remote workers need to have the basic office supplies on hand – printer ink and paper, pens, sticky notes, you name it. Consider offering office supplies stipends for any essentials your employees will need to conduct business efficiently.
Wi-Fi Stipends
It’s impossible for remote workers to maintain peak productivity without high-speed internet. In this regard, offering a monthly stipend to pay for their Wi-Fi networks can be a major perk for your business and your employees.
Mental Health Resources
Since a large percentage of remote workers report mental health concerns related to their telework positions, consider offering benefits that promote mental well-being. For instance, you could periodically offer virtual therapy appointments or paid “self-care days” to avoid employee burnout.
Promote Optimal Productivity for Remote Workers
Remote positions have become the new norm in the modern workforce. From half-time telework shifts to full-time work-from-home positions, employees who work virtually in any respect can benefit from some perks to keep them motivated. After all, offering some unique benefits, such as Copylite office supply stipends and mental health resources, is a small feat when you consider how much money your business can save by switching to remote settings. Think about it: a team of top-quality employees, reduced workplace costs, and improved productivity and morale – what more could a business owner ask for?