Although remote workers are thought to complicate a manager’s job, a highly distributed workplace has too many potential advantages to dismiss.
For most industries, the feasibility of working from home is determined largely by the structure of the employer and the motivation of the employee. In such situations, employers that can be flexible about work location may reap several rewards.
A company that embraces remote workers before its competitors can gain an edge in recruiting. Lifestyle concerns can easily trump salaries in a top worker’s decision process, and a superstar at a distance is often preferable to a local journeyman. Flexibility also enlarges the applicant pool. Being open to physically handicapped or geographically isolated workers can improve the prospects for finding a highly qualified candidate.
Embracing remote workers can reduce costs and improve productivity. For example, some businesses can save $8,000 a year for each employee who telecommutes. Office costs drop with fewer people on-site, while salaries may be lower for employees in the hinterlands. Moreover, many employees focus better and produce more without the distractions of an office.