Internet of Things has become a sensation, and amongst many other things, it has also opened the doors for remote employment. So many things can be done, are done on laptops, desktops and other digital devices today. Employees can sign documents remotely and can collaborate with their teams.

It is not surprising that freelancing is becoming extremely popular. In a recent survey, it was found that about 38% percent of the working US population works as freelancers, and it is estimated that by the year 2020 the figure would increase to 50%.

India Inc. is also not far behind when it comes to going remote. New startups are emerging almost daily, and a majority of them are outsourcing their work to freelancers.  Website content writers, graphic designers, SEO experts, social media managers, the list goes on.

However, the million-dollar question is- why the shift? Well, for starters- it greatly helps in saving costs. Startup companies especially need to work strategically in their shaping years, and costs reduction and be of great help. Also, when employees get to work remotely it can boost their well-being and even increase their productivity.

Here are the top reasons why smart companies are encouraging their employees to work remotely:

1) Increased Productivity

Gone are the days when people didn’t mind living their life in a mechanical manner, working in a bland cubicle from 9-5. Today people seek flexibility, and this is where freelancing or remote working comes in. Since working remotely increases the productivity of employees, many companies are happily allowing their employees to take that path. In fact, TINYpulse did a study and found that remote workers feel more valued and are more productive by 91 percent in comparison to those who go to the office for work, which is astonishing.

2) Easier Retainment of Top Talent

For any company, its employees are its foundation. Without a powerful work-force, no company can lead any industry. However, retaining top employees has always been a problem- until now. Smart companies are realizing that by offering their employees an option to work from home, or a remote location, they are able to retain them. Most people don’t mind sticking to the same company for years if they are granted flexibility.

3) Lower Costs

Remote working can allow both the employer and the employee save a lot of money. An average worker with a full-time job spends a considerable amount on food, gas, and commutation. The company also has to bear expenses for maintaining infrastructure and inventory, providing services such as vending machines, gym, etc. and IT services.  Thus, a ‘remote’ working model works out to be a win-win solution

4) Healthier Lifestyle

Maintaining healthier eating habits and exercising is quite difficult for office-goers, for they don’t get the time or atmosphere to do either. The commuting is also often exhausting. However, by working from home they can easily choose healthier food options and can also take breaks from work to exercise.

With sound health employees are more productive, have few sick days, and are also quite happy in general.  

Today, it is all about networking. We are connected to the entire world, whether you are on your desktop, or on a walk with your smartphone. With so many ways to connect the need of actually going to the office for work is becoming less and less common. Also, since most of the work in IT companies require a desktop/laptop and a decent internet connection, it is not difficult to create your own office space at home.

The popularity of remote working is increasing with each passing day, and it is not hard to imagine a world where there will be limited offices, but more co-working spaces.