The concept of “working from home” was completely foreign to teams only a few years ago. Today, a Gallup poll found that 37 percent of American workers have worked virtually in their careers, a four-fold increase since 1995. And, it turns out, there are more perks to remote work than getting to work in your PJs.
Don’t get us wrong; we know teamwork is important. Working together, collaborating, being available…it’s all important and all only achievable if employees are in an office. Structure is good. Having a routine and scheduled meetings and check-ins to stay on track, these are all valuable and important things. But, so is breaking your routine.
Here are some perks that come with working remotely and why the team at 834 loves to take advantage of that option every once in awhile!
Boost Productivity
No matter how beneficial they are, sometimes you just need to get away from impromptu brainstorm sessions, last minute meetings, and side conversations. Even if it’s just for 2-3 hours, getting out of the office can have a positive effect on productivity. 86 percent of those surveyed said they preferred to work alone to “hit maximum productivity.” Now and then employees need a chance to block out the world, put their heads down, and get sh** done.
Boost Team Morale
Sometimes, getting away from each other can bring us closer together. Whether it’s family, besties or coworkers, sometimes time apart helps us appreciate each other. No matter how much you love your team, taking time to work by yourself, at your own pace, in your chosen environment, can act as a reset button. Small breaks allow us to return refreshed, rejuvenated and with a better appreciation for those around us.
Invite New Ideas
Ever gone on vacation and been inspired by your surroundings? How did you feel? Creative? Energized? Ready to take on the world? These are the same feelings that working in a new location can inspire. Working around new people in different industries can help you see a problem in a new light. Working with other professionals can inspire creative conversations. Next time you’re working out of the office, get out of your house too. Try a new place like a co-working space or even a museum. Stepping outside your comfort zone can activate the parts of our brains that might get stifled by routine.
Appeal to a New Pool
68 percent of job seekers who are millennials said an option to work remotely would greatly increase their interest in specific employers, according to a survey by AfterCollege. This doesn’t mean you need to close your office and make all employees remote workers. But, letting your employees know the option is there if they need it can attract a wide range of talent. The incoming workforce can work from anywhere and often prefer it much of the time. But, this option could also appeal to employees with children who might get sick or have a day off from school. With all the technology available, there’s no reason why the lack of access to an office means the inability to work.
Keep the Office Open, Even When It’s Closed
Here in Michigan, we know a thing or two about snow days. We also know that driving in inclement weather conditions can be dangerous. Before the ability to work remotely, snow days meant shutting down the office and getting nothing done. Today, if bad weather calls for the need to stay off the roads, work can proceed as usual. This removes pressure from employers to keep the office open no matter the weather and allows them to make decisions that keep their employees safe. And, employees can hunker down in their PJs, enjoy the snow, and get some work done.
Where is your favorite place to go work when you need a break from the office? Let us know the places that help you feel refreshed!
