Benefits of remote working | Top reasons
Remote work has quickly shifted from a temporary solution to a long-term strategy for many businesses. What was once considered a perk has now become a standard practice, offering flexibility and opportunities for both employers and employees. This article explores the key benefits of remote working and the top reasons why it continues to play such an important role in today’s workplace.
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Whilst most employers pre-pandemic had not given remote working serious consideration, they quickly realised that they could, in fact, operate effectively whether staff were based in the office, working from home offices, or operating from other remote locations.
This opened up job opportunities to a much wider audience. Which in turn allowed employers to access a greater pool of talented applicants.
Better work-life balance when remote working
The Number 1 benefit highlighted by remote workers is a better work-life balance. A FlexJobs survey in 2020 of more than 4,000 respondents working from home indicated that working from home had improved their work-life balance. This was down to things such as spending more time with their partner, children, or family pets.
Flexibility around start/finish times allows remote workers to work at the time of day that best suits them. As long as the work is produced in a timely-manner then everyone is happy.
So, whether it is getting the kids dropped off at school, fitting in a yoga class, taking the dog for a walk, or just having long lunches and breaks when you need them, remote work definitely ticks all the boxes for a better work-life balance.
No daily commute required
According to a report in 2019 the average UK employee spent a whopping 221 hours per year commuting to and from work. Even though employees in the USA spent slightly less time commuting, they still managed approximately 200 hours per year.
Whilst some people can use this time to complete work (those travelling by train, bus, plane journeys) it is acknowledged that for most employees commuting time is generally not considered to be productive.
Location, location, location
One of the greatest advantages of remote work is the freedom from geographic restrictions. Employees are no longer tied to a single office location, meaning they can live – and work – from virtually anywhere in the world.
This flexibility allows individuals to choose locations that best suit their lifestyle and budget, without the need to pay high city-center rental costs. For some, it also creates opportunities to travel, explore new destinations, and maintain a career on the move.
At the same time, businesses benefit from a wider global talent pool. With borders no longer acting as barriers, organizations can attract skilled professionals from diverse regions, creating greater opportunities for both employers and employees. You can be situated anywhere in the world. Travel light, by using lightweight backpacks and luggage, travel neck pillows, slimline laptop bags, etc. Explore new destinations, and take your job with you wherever you go.
Staffing options and benefits of remote working
Remote work has opened the door for companies to connect with a broader and more diverse talent pool. This flexibility allows businesses to tap into professionals who may have previously faced barriers to traditional office roles – such as individuals with disabilities, parents balancing family commitments, or workers with limited availability.
Beyond accessibility, remote hiring also creates opportunities to collaborate across borders. By employing staff from different regions, organizations gain fresh perspectives and cultural insights that can strengthen teamwork, innovation, and global awareness.
Customize your home office space
When working remotely you have the opportunity to customize your home office space. Whether you are working from a corner of the kitchen, in the spare bedroom or have the luxury of a dedicated home office you can set it up as you want. Just remember to have a good backdrop, or clear uncluttered area free, that you can use if you are required to attend meetings on video calls.
Increased productivity when remote working
If done correctly, working remotely has many benefits, including fewer interruptions, no office politics, and fewer distractions. Having a clearly defined work schedule and a dedicated area to work from is important. Also, access to regular management support is vital. This ensures remote workers have equal access to the tools and structures they need to perform well.
Employee and employer savings
Remote work offers significant financial advantages for both employees and employers, making it a true win-win arrangement.
For employees, the ability to work from anywhere means they are no longer tied to costly city-center living. Instead, they can move to more affordable locations, often gaining larger homes, more outdoor space, or access to better schools for their families. The savings extend beyond housing – commuting costs such as fuel, parking, train fares, and vehicle maintenance are eliminated. In addition, daily expenses like professional wardrobes, lunches, and coffee breaks are greatly reduced.
Employers also benefit from substantial cost savings. With less need for large office spaces in expensive city locations, businesses can downsize or relocate to more affordable areas. Reduced rent, lower utility bills, and fewer overheads—such as uniforms or office supplies – create meaningful savings that can be reinvested into growth, innovation, or employee support.
Conclusion
Remote work has transformed the way businesses and employees approach their professional lives. From financial savings and improved flexibility to broader access to global talent, the benefits extend to both sides of the workplace. What began as a necessity has evolved into a long-term strategy that supports growth, work-life balance, and innovation. As organizations continue to adapt, remote working remains a powerful model for the future of employment.
What do you think? Is remote working an option for you?
FAQs
Remote work brings a host of benefits: greater flexibility, lower commuting costs, improved work-life balance, access to a wider talent pool, and potential savings on office overheads for employers.
Yes – many studies suggest remote work can lead to higher productivity, thanks to fewer office distractions and more autonomy over one’s schedule.
Remote workers typically save on commuting (fuel, public transport, parking), professional clothing, meals, and sometimes childcare or relocation costs.
Employers can reduce or eliminate costs related to office rent, utilities, cleaning, office supplies, and physical infrastructure.
While remote work has many benefits, it also comes with challenges such as potential isolation, communication or collaboration gaps, overwork (difficulty switching off), and dependence on reliable technology.