Remote working, also known as working from home or telecommuting, is a work arrangement that permits working outside the typical office environment. It has increased globally over the years and accelerated during the COVID-19 pandemic.

This change has led many corporations to see the benefits of remote working. The question is: does remote working really work? The answer is yes! It improves the employee experience, increasing productivity and retention rates when done correctly. Future Forum Pulse’s October 2022 report showed that employees with flexible work styles had higher scores for productivity, connection, and company culture. They found that workers who had schedule flexibility are 29% more productive and had 53% greater ability to focus than workers with no ability to shift their schedule.

But there are things you need to consider before jumping into this trend if it isn't already part of your business strategy.

What is remote working?

Remote work is a type of employment in which employees work at home or at different locations. Remote working is becoming more common, and it's not just tech companies that offer employees this option. There are many benefits to remote work, but maintaining a good work-life balance can also be challenging when you're not in the office. GitLab's Guide to All-Remote is a deep dive into the topic and its definitions.

How does remote working work?

Remote working is when employees work from home or a remote location. You can also set up a remote office where employees don't have to commute.

Remote working allows you to reduce costs and increase productivity by enabling people to work independently as long as they finish their work. It also benefits your employees and the environment, as there's less stress on public transport systems and pollution from commuting.

Does remote working improve employee experience, productivity, and talent retention?

Remote working has a lot of benefits. Some of the most common include:

• You can work from anywhere.
• You have more flexibility and autonomy to make your schedule.
• You have more control over your schedule because you don't have to ask permission to leave early or arrive late.

Consider caveats to remote working.

The biggest concern with remote working is that it can be difficult to have effective communication. The lack of face-to-face interaction can lead to a breakdown in communication, which results in misunderstandings and poor decision-making.

However, here are some tips for ensuring that your team stays on the same page when you're working remotely:

• Use video or screen-sharing software, so you don't miss out on important meetings or presentations.
• Use online tools like Slack and Google Docs, so employees aren't tied down by their desks all day long. These tools will also allow employees to collaborate remotely without having an open office space for everyone to share ideas freely.

Communication is key when it comes to remote working. We Work Remotely includes five tips to better communicate. Most importantly they recommend being clear and concise and mindful of virtual body language. 

The critical thing here is flexibility—not just from employees but from managers too!

Pros and cons of going remote!

Remote working is on the rise, and for a good reason. You might think that it's all about productivity and saving money, but there are many benefits to having remote employees that go beyond this.

• Attract and retain top talent (particularly in competitive fields like tech)
• Improve employee experience & productivity
• Reduce stress levels & increase work-life balance
• Improve time management

Are You Looking To Have a Remote Work? 

Remote working can be an excellent way for companies to attract and retain talent, but it has drawbacks. Remote and hybrid workers feel more connected to their direct manager and their company’s values. Flexible remote work policies were the number one factor that has improved company culture over the past two years. Learn more about the current state of remote-work sentiment here. The key is finding the right balance for your organization.