28.11.2024

Remote work demand soars, but offices push for return: Is remote work really that problematic?

Searches for 'working from home allowance' are up 48% and 'remote working jobs' by 124%, yet at the same time, companies are pushing for a return to the office. Is remote work truly as problematic as people think? Office space experts discuss the benefits of remote and flexible working.

Whether working from home, a coffee shop, a coworking space or the beach, tech gives the modern workforce more freedom with the ability to connect to the office from virtually anywhere in the world. From reducing costs to increased retention, there are several benefits to the remote working trend, whether it’s a temporary or a long-term part of your business strategy.

Lucinda Pullinger, Managing Director at The Instant Group said: "The rise of remote work has shown that flexibility isn’t just a perk—it’s an expectation. Flexible workspaces contribute to a right-sized, agile infrastructure and the tools to support teams, helping them stay connected, engaged, and productive no matter where they are."

Benefits of more flexibility

There are numerous benefits to remote working for both the employee and the employer. Forbes recently published some compelling statistics from the world’s top researchers, which highlight the following advantage:

Productivity – Remote workers often experience increased productivity.
Performance – Location-independent workers produce work with 40% fewer quality issues.
Engagement – Remote workers generally have lower absenteeism rates.
Retention – Many workers express a desire for more flexible hours in their jobs
Profitability – Employers can save significantly by incorporating remote work options.

Five tips for getting the most out of remote working:

Stick to a schedule: routines do eventually change when working from home but sticking to the same schedule as a regular office day is a good way to ease into it.
Keep in touch with the team: whether through a morning catch up or a group chat, keep communication flowing to avoid feelings of isolation
Set regular breaks: take lunch, move about and have frequent breaks.
Start and end the workday: it’s easy to keep working overtime when at home, but to maintain work-life balance, it’s crucial to be able to switch off.
Choose the best work area: set up in an area of the home that’s comfortable, quiet, and set up for productivity.

Secrets for successful communication with remote teams

For many workers, increased connectivity in personal and work lives has made the transition to remote working a relatively easy one. Faster and more reliable Wi-Fi, access to cloud systems and team collaboration tools mean ‘the office’ can be just about anywhere. By streamlining your work processes in this way, your team can be more professional, productive and efficient in the long run.

Helen Godliman, Head of HR Operations & Projects at The Instant Group added: "In flexible workspaces, we see the power of choice—when people can tailor their workspace to their needs—as the key to fostering well-being and reducing the mental strain that traditional work setups often create.

"A key part of mental health awareness is recognising the link between workspace and wellbeing. Flexible work environments offer a level of autonomy and comfort that promotes mental health, allowing individuals to thrive both personally and professionally."

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