In recent years, we have heard a lot about remote work. This modality has become popular recently, especially due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which forced many companies to adapt to teleworking to keep not only their business afloat but also their operations efficient.
As the months passed, many of these companies began to notice that the remote format was not just a temporary solution to a health crisis but also an opportunity to improve performance and competitiveness in the digital age. But why?
Not only did the way of working change, but also the mentality when hiring staff. Nowadays, recruiters prioritize skills that allow companies to achieve the desired results in the short and medium term. Until a few years ago, this process could be slower and more complex due to the limitations of the traditional hiring scheme. However, with the global rise of remote work, the opportunities to quickly find skilled talent and build teams that align with these objectives have become virtually infinite.
So, should my company hire remote talent? Everything indicates that this is the way to go especially because it has become a trend that offers multiple benefits for both employees and employers.
Remote Talent: Benefits for Companies
1. Cost Savings
Currently, there are many ways to carry out the recruitment process. One of the most practical and economical for companies is through platforms that bring together independent and qualified professionals, as it practically eliminates the cost of investing in recruitment until a profile is found that convinces the employer 100%. If you want to start automating this process but don’t know where to begin, Simera is an AI-integrated platform that can help you with this process. Candidates undergo a series of technical, psychometric, and skills tests to reinforce their knowledge while each test helps them find the position that suits their experience. At the same time, traditional hiring expenses are saved, which can be used to optimize other areas and ensure better results.
2. Better Employee Retention
One of the biggest problems for companies when hiring is that, in many cases, people do not stay long in the position. Commuting, strict schedules, and mandatory in-person attendance have become serious stress issues for workers, as well as conditions that end up tipping the balance towards changing jobs if they have the opportunity to find a company that is not as strict on these points. Working from home can help people who are parents by giving them more flexibility to be with their children while offering other employees a better work-life balance, which will increase employee retention for your company.
3. Increased Productivity
Although many companies still consider that a certain degree of trust is needed to allow employees to work from home, a study by an American university revealed that remote workers are 13% more productive than those who work in the office. People who work from home are not in a noisy environment and are not distracted by their colleagues or situations unrelated to them happening in the office. Additionally, by not dealing with all the stress points mentioned in the previous item, they can focus on the task at hand with more energy, efficiency, and clarity.
4. Elimination of Unnecessary Meetings
Most business owners are aware that meetings can be a waste of time and money. It is difficult to keep everyone organized, even if you try to schedule every employee. Additionally, delays occur when trying to bring together staff from various departments, resulting in a loss of productive time. Although meetings are still possible in the remote format, they tend to be better prepared, and it is easier to get everyone to attend at the same time.
5. Reduced Absenteeism
Studies have shown that employees with flexible schedules who work from home tend to be healthier. This is because there is no risk of spreading illnesses among coworkers. Moreover, if an employee gets sick but is at home, the chances of recovering more quickly are higher since they are not exposed to weather changes and can rest more.
For many companies, working from home used to be impractical, but thanks to modern technological advances, that has changed. Additionally, it is important to consider that the pandemic has heightened employees’ interest in remote work, so it is a good idea to start laying the groundwork to evaluate if it is viable for your company, as this format is here to stay and will likely be the future of work dynamics.