One of the most significant transitions in the working world is the rise of employees working remotely – and it’s not hard to see why. There are plenty of advantages for both the employer and employee, making more and more companies opt for this way of working.

Entrepreneur Mark Stiffler has noticed remote work is becoming more popular in industries such as sales, finance, and software development. Other careers dominated by remote employees are customer service, project management, and digital marketing.

There are several reasons why hiring remote employees can be advantageous for your company. Here are nine benefits of working with remote staff.

1. Increased productivity

Working from home can have many benefits for employees, including increased productivity. A study by Stanford University found that employees who worked from home were 13% more productive than those who worked in the office. This is likely since working from home eliminates distractions and allows employees to work at their own pace.

2. Wider talent pool

When you open your job postings to remote applicants, you immediately expand your talent pool. The option of remote employment is especially beneficial if you’re looking for highly-skilled employees who may not be willing to relocate.

3. Lower office costs

If you have remote employees, you won’t need to worry about the costs of maintaining an office, such as rent, utilities, and furniture. These are significant savings for small businesses, Mark Stiffler advises. According to Regus, a leading provider of flexible workspace solutions, the average cost of renting an office space is $1,000 per month.

4. More engaged employees

Employees who work remotely are often offered a more flexible work schedule, which leads to team members who are more engaged with the company, and its mission. Employees have a greater sense of ownership and responsibility for their work.

5. Lower turnover

The ability to work remotely can also lead to lower turnover rates. Employees who can work from home are often happier and more satisfied with their jobs. Additionally, remote employees often find childcare and other family-related services more efficiently.

According to a study by the National Association of Child Care Resource & Referral Agencies, 49% of parents reported quitting or were considering leaving their job due to a lack of affordable, quality child care. This suggests that the availability of reasonable, quality child care is a major factor in employee turnover rates.

6. Greater creativity

Employees have total autonomy over how their workspace and, in many cases, their workday looks when they work remotely. This can lead to a more creative workforce since team members have the freedom to structure their day in a way that works best for them.

7. Better communication

The use of technology has made it easier than ever for remote employees to communicate with each other. Various tools, such as video conferencing and instant messaging, can be used to keep employees in touch. A study by Cisco showed that 78% of remote workers feel more connected to their co-workers than when working in an office.

8. Increased diversity

Remote work can also lead to a more diverse workforce. Employees who work remotely are often from different backgrounds and cultures. Additionally, remote employees often have different skillsets, which can add to the company’s overall diversity. Entrepreneur Mark Stiffler has noticed that companies with a diverse workforce are more successful and innovative.

9. Better work-life balance

One of the biggest benefits of remote work is the ability to achieve a better work-life balance. This is because employees can often set their hours and schedule work around their commitments. Additionally, remote employees often have more control over their environment, leading to a less stressful work experience.

Final Thoughts

Hiring remote employees can benefit both the employee and the company. However, it’s essential to start recruiting early and prepare to offer them the same benefits and incentives as you would provide employees who work in-house.