Approximately 4.3 million U.S. employees (or 3.2% of the workforce) work from home at least half the time. That’s a lot of people. But that 3.2% starts looking a little measly when you consider how much of the U.S. workforce is composed of jobs that are compatible with telecommuting. Just about 50% of employees in the U.S. do work that can be accomplished (at least in part) remotely. Of that 50%, about half actually does telecommute occasionally.
Work arrangements aren’t quite keeping up with telecommuting potential. Only 7% of U.S. employers make flexible workplace options available to most of their employees. Granted, that’s 40% more than offered remote options five years ago, but the numbers are clear: technology is making an offer that not enough companies are willing to accept. And that is a problem, because 80% to 90% of the U.S. workforce says they would like to work remotely at least some of the time. This disconnect between what employees want and what employers can offer will only widen as technology advances--if, that is, employers don’t make efforts to incorporate telework into their way of doing business.
With cloud-based conferencing and collaboration solutions like Prime Call Cloud UC, giving employees what they want is easier than ever. Anyone on any device using any video endpoint can join meetings instantly, and with various subscription plans, companies need only pay for what they need at any given stage during their growth or contraction. There’s no need for costly new equipment or endless training sessions that drain the morale of all involved.
This isn't just about giving your employees what they want, though. Offering telework flexibility is ultimately very good for you and your bottom line, as well. According to a survey conducted by Global Workplace Analytics, employees who telecommute are 35% to 40% more productive, and even work five hours more per week than their office-based counterparts. They take fewer sick days to boot. The appeal of telecommuting is so strong that 36% of workers would trade a raise for the opportunity to work from home.
And if you’re intent on staying in business and recruiting the best and brightest minds, flexible work options will be crucial moving forward. Gen Y job searchers, gave flexible work arrangements an 8 on a 1-to-10 scale for impact on overall job satisfaction. This is your future. And it wants to be able to work where it wants.
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