If several years ago remote work was a pipe dream for most employees, today more and more companies are leaning towards this approach. Development of technologies, companies growth, high level of competition and other market conditions not only provide us with more opportunities, but also dictate new requirements for company management. According to the last researches, remote teamwork is one of the most popular project management trends in 2018. And for that there are a number of reasons.

1. Wider hiring opportunities

One of the biggest benefit of remote working is that it gives companies access to a wider range of resources. And first and foremost - labor resources. Not being tied to any particular location, it is much easier to find highly qualified employees in any field. A team can be built from all over the world and work with high efficiency. Of course, you can always offer - and organize - to new talented employees relocation to the desired city or country where your office is available, so as good staff is a rarity and these expenses will probably pay off. However, not everybody is ready to move, your company should be really worthwhile, so that an experienced and skilled employee will give everything up for it. But if you offer a remote job, you are able to cover a wider auditory without extra costs and restrictions.

2. Lower overheads

This's not a secret that remote work is an easy way to save money. Instead of paying rent for large offices, utilities and equipment, not to mention additional costs for kitchen, gym, bathroom and so on, companies can significantly reduce costs for more important needs. This can be especially critical for small companies and startups which are just beginning to get back on their feet and can not afford extra expenses. In this way, telecommuting helps owners to reduce operating costs and increase profits. However, remote work can be equally beneficial to employees in this regard. For example, they can also reduce money spent on transport, meals, renting (in case of relocation), not to mention time saved on the road.

3. Boost of productivity

Working from home may be also more productive. Without distractions on the side of other employees, phone calls, watercooler talks, frequent meetings, workers fully control their time and can more efficiently schedule and distribute tasks. Staff can work in a relaxed home space, save time from the commuting and choose the most productive work hours for them. Moreover, less pressure and control by other employees and managers will contribute to a favorable working conditions. No matter how modern and comfortable your office is, every employee has his own individual characteristics and requirements for the most productive work, which you can hardly realize by satisfying all employees at the same time.

4. Increasing team loyalty

The fact is that most people like to work remotely. This gives them the opportunity to spend more time with their families, better control their working time, avoid unnecessary control and distraction. Employees are able to work from anywhere if they wish, travel around the world, get flexibility and freedom which are often impossible in office. Due to remote work, they have no dresscode and, as a rule, fixed worked hours. All these factors make the work at your company more attractive for employees, they allow not only to attract but also to retain valuable personnel, reduce employee turnover.

5. More healthy and environmentally friendly

Reduction in the number of office workers can be better for our health and the environment. Just imagine how many people in big cities every day spend hours on the way to work and back. For example, according to some researches, an average person in the U.K. spends 60-80 minutes getting to and from work. Remote work is an excellent way for your company to reduce our carbon footprint. In addition, scientists have found that about 55% of people felt more stressed as a result of their commute, while more than 80% of remote workers reported higher morale and less stress level.

Any disadvantages?

Sure. Not all companies can afford such working conditions, and not all employees want and can work effectively from home. Remote work is associated with many shortcomings and limitations. Weak communication and teamwork. Irresponsible or new employees requiring increased supervision or training. If you still decided to organize telecommuting at your company, you need to take a number of measures to make it really productive. Many of existing issues can be solved by an appropriate project management tool, right company policy, agreements with the team. It is often a good practice to introduce semi-remote work, when employees appear in the office 1-2 times a week, and the rest of the time they work at home. And what approach do you adhere to in this matter and how effective is it?

Riter development team