Facts About Working Remotely
There are a lot of myths out there about employees who work remotely. Some people seem to think that remote employees are lazy and don’t put in the same amount of effort as those who work in an office. Others may believe that working from home is a perk that can easily be abused. But what does the research actually say about remote workers? According to entrepreneur Alexander Djerassi, there are a lot of benefits to having a remote workforce- but there are also some things you need to be aware of before making the switch. In this blog post, we will take a closer look at the truth about working remotely.
1. Remote Workers Have a Better Work-Life Balance: Many people who have a job that requires them to travel for work or commute long distances often feel like they never see their families. Djerassi explains that remote workers are able to spend more time with family members and friends because they don’t need as much time commuting back and forth between home and the office.
2. Remote Workers Are More Productive: Contrary to what some people may believe, research has shown that remote employees are actually more productive than those who work in an office. A study by Stanford University found that when remote employees were given the same tasks as their in-office counterparts, they completed them faster and with fewer errors. This is likely because working from home eliminates distractions like noise and coworkers stopping by your desk to chat.
3. Remote Workers Can be More Engaged: One of the biggest benefits of having a remote workforce is that it can help improve employee engagement. A study by Gallup found that remote employees are more likely to be engaged with their work than those who work in an office. This is because they feel like they have more autonomy over how and when things get done, which leads them to feel valued by the company as well.
4. Remote Workers Have Less Stress: Another myth about working from home is that it’s less stressful than commuting into an office every day. But a study by Stanford University found just the opposite- remote workers actually had lower stress levels than their in-office counterparts! The reason for this may be due to less time spent commuting or being able to focus on one task at hand without distraction from others around you (i.e., coworkers stopping by your desk).
5. There Are Some Downsides to Working Remotely: Although there are many benefits to working remotely, there are also some drawbacks you need to be aware of before making the switch. One downside is that you may find it harder to stay connected with your team and supervisors if you’re not in the same physical space as them. This can lead to feelings of isolation and reduced job satisfaction. Additionally, if you’re not disciplined enough, you may find it difficult to stay on task when working from home.
So, what does all this research mean for employers? Should they start hiring more remote workers? The answer is not necessarily black and white- there are pros and cons to both having a remote workforce and having employees work in an office. But the evidence seems to suggest that, if done correctly, having a remote workforce can be beneficial for both employees and employers alike. So before making any decisions, Alexander Djerassi believes that it’s important to weigh the pros and cons of each option and see what would work best for your specific company.