How Telecommuting Can Benefit Your Small Business

A rapidly growing number of small businesses are becoming aware of the benefits of telecommuting. Although performing one’s job duties from the comfort of home was once considered the realm of the self-employed, many enterprises have come to embrace it in recent years – and frankly, there’s little wonder as to why. In addition to saving businesses money, telecommuting is highly conducive to increased employee satisfaction and worker retention. Small business owners who are currently on the fence about telecommuting would be wise to think about the following perks.

Reduction in Office Expenses

The fewer employees who report to your office day-to-day, the fewer office-related expenses you’ll incur. For example, if you spend a sizable amount of money on water, coffee and assorted refreshments, allowing a portion of your workforce to telecommute can save you a considerable sum. Additionally, the fewer operational workstations your office has, the less you’re likely to pay in energy costs. Allowing employees to work from home can also lead to a reduction in rent costs. After all, if a limited number of workers are required to report to the office each day, there’s no sense in renting a large workspace. The money you save on operating costs can be put towards other areas of your business and ultimately help you grow your workforce.These additional funds can also be used in service of opening a business checking account online.

Increased Efficiency

One of the reasons some business owners are hesitant to allow telecommuting is the fear of decreased efficiency. If some workers aren’t supervised throughout the day, their output is liable to suffer. While it’s true that some people work better in a structured environment, telecommuting has led to increased efficiency across a variety of enterprises. When they’re permitted to tend to their job duties in a relaxed, low-stress environment, most employees are able to meet quotas and complete projects in a timely and efficient manner. Of course, if any team members exhibit a decrease in efficiency, you may want to consider bringing them back to the office.

Employee Satisfaction

Unsurprisingly, an embrace of telecommuting can lead to an increase in employee satisfaction. Being able to work from the comfort of home and avoid the typical office-related stressors is an attractive prospect for many members of the workforce. Working from home can be particularly to team members with children and people who take care of older relatives. This can also result in increased worker retention rates. For instance, if a team member is offered a higher-paying job with another company, they’re liable to think twice if the position doesn’t allow telecommuting. In decades past, telecommuting was regarded as an oddity. Sure, self-employed individuals could swing it, but if you worked a traditional nine-to-five,you were more than likely reporting to an office every day. However, with the plethora of technological advances the digital age has brought, working from home has become feasible for a sizable percentage of the workforce. Business owners who are undecided on telecommuting need only consider the previously discussed benefits.