While the concept of telework is not new, advances in broadband and other technologies have increased the trend towards telework as a way to generate savings and efficiencies for business.
It is a relatively simple and cost effective way to improve productivity in your business and to provide employees with a more flexible and balanced way of working. The benefits experienced by teleworking employees can flow back to your business in a range of ways.
Productivity
There are many aspects of telework that can mean an employee may be more productive than their in-office counterparts. Factors such as a quieter work environment with fewer distractions, more efficient meetings, and less commuting time all have an impact on a teleworker's productivity levels.
A broader employment pool
Because of the flexibility telework offers in terms of employees being able to work remotely from where your office is located, you can recruit employees from a much broader geographic and demographic area than previously considered. This opens up opportunities for potential employees in regional or remote areas who are reluctant to relocate to metropolitan areas in order to find work.
Telework also provides an opportunity for people facing barriers to working in a traditional workplace. This includes people with physical disabilities who are unable to use public transport, those providing care for others; or those who live in regional or remote areas where job prospects are poor. Offering telework to these individuals can mean that you are able to attract high calibre employees previously not available to you.
Similarly, Telework can help provide continued employment for mature age workers, who are often very experienced, loyal and reliable members of your workforce. An older worker's continued participation in the workforce also brings additional benefits to the community as a whole, not to mention to the employee themselves.
Savings on operational costs
From an operational perspective, having fewer staff working in your office can result in savings in utilities, property and fit out, parking, security and other associated costs.
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