The pandemic sparked extreme changes for majority if not all the businesses across the world. Prior to the pandemic, businesses were reluctant to even consider homeworking roles, however now homeworking or hybrid working seems to be the new norm. The uptake of working from home is experiencing a real increase.  People are realising they like the flexibility, comfort, and possibility of not having to travel to the office daily.  

Working from home will have different impact on individuals, there will be many pros and cons, however for majority of the people, the pros will outweigh the cons, such as: 

Flexibility  

• With employees not working from the office, there will potentially be more willingness to work flexible shifts, evenings, weekends, or even split shifts. This would also be extremely beneficial for businesses that work in different time zones. Employees may be willing to work at short notice, significantly improving the utilisation of staff resources. 
• Employees can choose to work when they’re at their best and around their daily chores, in the comfort of their own home 

• Employees working from home may be available to log on and off calls in a timely manner, which in turn would allow to cover peak periods or high queues, leading to substantial improvement of utilisation of staff resources 

 Work Life Balance 

• Working from home can have a positive boost on an employees work life balance. Reduced commute or zero commute to the office would allow the employee to spend that extra time they saved from travelling with family, sleep for longer, have a nice warm healthy meal enabling health benefits and maybe some quality ME time.  
• School runs can be done stress free  

• Childcare requirements can also be met with the flexibility of homeworking. Having a choice of sending the child to nursery or keeping them at home, can lead to financial savings on childcare 

 Improved Retention 

• Employees don’t have the stress of leaving a role, when their personal circumstances change, for example having to move home or Town, as the flexibility of homeworking would mean they can remain in the same role.  
• Employers should take advantage of homeworking, as it is a great opportunity for them to retain staff and reduce attrition leading to many efficiencies long term.  

 Reduced Absence  

• Employees are likely to enjoy working at home, in their own comfortable environment and thus may feel more energised, therefore reduced chance of their immune system being negatively impacted 
• Employees may be able to continue to work, even when a child is off sick from school as they can still cater to the needs of their child and complete their work.  
• Homeworking can give employees the time and environment they may need to make healthier choices, therefore leading to a healthier lifestyle 

• Working at home means, less exposure to ailments 

 Financial Savings 

• Many financial benefits for both Employer and Employee - reduction of office space, office supplies, utility bills, canteen, and other facilities 

• Travel expenses, parking fees, food bought out, teas/coffees, work wardrobe, these are just some of the many savings.  One doesn’t realise the amount we spend when working from an office, so these savings really do add up and puts money back in the employee’s pocket. 

“After having my babies, my maternity was coming to an end, so I requested the option of hybrid working from my current employer at the time. My request was declined.  

This led to me having to hand in my notice and concentrate on my children as I couldn’t afford the high cost of childcare. I really struggled to find a role which was suited to myself and my childcare situation. I used to stress how it would be possible for me to go back to work and have the flexibility I require for School runs and be available for my children. I applied for many roles, but the flexibility was just not available. 

The Homeworking option has given me the flexibility, the income and allows me to fulfil my responsibilities as a parent, so no guilt. I’m also in a role and Team I love” 

In summary, homeworking/hybrid working is working well for both Employers and Employees, it is the future and is here to stay? 

If you’d like to learn more about Home Working/Hybrid Working and how it can work in your business, contact one of the team today to find out more.

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