The reality is now setting in that for the immediate future (the next six to twelve months), our firm may have to implement a variation of the remote work model. Remote work is one of the most important decisions that I will make for my business. The hard part is that so many of our small business clients are still paper-based, face-to-face, old-school. This post is my thoughts on the benefits of remote work.
Remote work option for business 2.0 workers
As of July 2019, Millennials (ages 23 to 38 in 2019), numbered 72.1 million, and Boomers (ages 55 to 73) totaled 71.6 million. Generation X (ages 39 to 54) numbered 65.2 million and projected to pass the Boomers in population by 2028.[1]
This new workforce understands technology, how to work remotely, and what it means to be “alone together,” and they will be the most sought-after generation of workers. Most millennials want freedom, flexibility, and work-life balance, and that comes with remote jobs.[2]
It’s not just because of the flexibility and Millennials that I am making this decision, remote work will make my staff feel safe. The other benefit of remote work that I like is that I will save considerable amounts of money (and time) from not having to commute every day. [3] As an employer, remote work may help with employee retention (will have to see about this).[4]
The hardest will be the customers, but the fear COVID resurgence and another “stay-at-home” order will change business as usual behavior.
Remote employees help you save cost
Most small business that reopens will be on a shoestring budget. Remote work can help you save money. Let’s start with the cost of leasing a smaller office space. With a remote workforce, I will only need a minimum of 1,000 Square feet to accommodate my team of seven staff (100 square feet per person plus the common areas like meeting room, storage, reception, lunchroom, etc.) because the other seven staff will be working from home.
So what are you going to do?
I think think that remote teams can produce much better results and save you thousands in cost. If you are thinking of re-starting a business or already running a business, you must consider building a remote team because it is the future of work. It might be challenging at first, but you have no choice.
[1] https://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2020/04/28/millennials-overtake-baby-boomers-as-americas-largest-generation/
[2] https://blog.rescuetime.com/work-life-balance-study-2019/
[3] https://globalworkplaceanalytics.com/telecommuting-statistics