As a result of the pandemic, most of us have become even more reliant on technology. While 41% of marketing firms used SEO in 2016, search engine optimization is considered to be essential in 2021 because customers are spending more time online using smart phone apps. And while many businesses have reopened in some capacity, others are continuing to operate remotely.
If your business made the switch to telework during 2020, you might be eager to return to a traditional office environment. But is that actually the best choice for your business or your employees? Continuing to work remotely may allow you to get more leads while reducing overhead and environmental impact. But for other organizations, returning to a conventional work environment may be beneficial.
To help you decide whether it’s time to go back to business as usual or to continue with our “new normal,” we’ve compiled some remote work pros and cons.
The Advantages of Remote Work
- Higher Productivity: While the beginning of the pandemic came with a number of distractions, studies have found that remote workers are actually more productive than office workers. There are fewer opportunities to socialize with coworkers, for one thing, and being able to work in a relaxed and comfortable environment can help employees stay focused. In many remote work environments, staff members are able to adopt a more flexible schedule that allows them to work when they’re at their most efficient. That means your business may be able to get leads more easily and convert those leads into customers, particularly if you have help from a full-service marketing department. And since employees don’t need to waste time commuting, they can get right to work without delay.
- Better Work-Life Balance: Employees are generally in favor of work-from-home options because they’re more aligned with a balanced life. As mentioned above, many remote work arrangements allow for more flexible hours. A member of your team may be able to schedule an important doctor’s appointment or spend the afternoon with their kids without taking time off. Not only can this allow for a better work-life balance, but it can also save your company money. And since employees will be more engaged, they’ll also be more likely to stick around for the long term.
- Increased Sustainability and Savings: Opting for a fully remote work environment can allow your business to reach its environmental goals and cut costs. The overhead costs associated with maintaining a traditional office or worksite can be significant; by going fully remote, you’ll save money without sacrificing workflow. What’s more, you can reduce energy waste and carbon emissions by closing your office and allowing employees to work from home.
The Disadvantages of Remote Work
- Inconsistent Compatibility: Unfortunately, not every business is well-suited for remote work. Full-service marketing companies, software developers, and other knowledge workers can complete their tasks from anywhere with an internet connection. But other organizations simply can’t go completely virtual. It’s worth exploring whether some positions can be handled remotely, but your workforce may not be compatible with a 100% remote environment.
- Decreased Communication: Although digital communication has improved vastly over the last year, your team may have a tough time staying up-to-date when you’re working outside of the office. It’s easy to miss important changes when you can’t stop by a co-worker’s desk or attend a meeting in-person. While there are ways to improve remote communication, it’ll take a concerted effort on everyone’s part.
- Technological Challenges: Many tech-savvy folks have no problem adjusting to remote work, but others experience difficulties. If your internet connection is slow or you’re used to having office equipment, working from home can be frustrating. Of course, there may also be security issues to worry about. Ensuring your employees are set up for success and that your data is properly protected can go a long way.
Numerous types of organizations — from IT and full-service marketing companies to online retailers — have gone fully remote over the last year. But it’s not the right choice for every business. And even if you do decide to embrace remote work for the foreseeable future, you may need help from a full-service marketing to compete with others in your industry. For more on how we can help, please contact us today.
