The Higher Ed Workplace Blog

4 Reasons to Consider Telework for Your Employees

Telework is growing increasingly popular in the United States. In fact, for more than 4 million American workers, “the office” can be anywhere they want it to be.

According to data from Global Workplace Analytics, the number of people telecommuting in the U.S. has risen 140 percent since 2005, and 3.2 percent of the workforce now works from home at least half the time.

If the trends over the past decade are any indication, telework (also referred to as flex work and telecommuting) will continue to grow as a viable working arrangement for many employees and employers.

Here are four reasons to consider telework for your employees:

  • Cost savings. According to Global Workplace Analytics, if those with compatible jobs and a desire to work from home did so just half the time, the typical employer would save on average $11,000 per person per year. These cost savings come in the form of reduced real-estate costs, reduced absenteeism, reduced turnover and increased productivity.
  • Increased productivity. SurePayroll reports that more than two-thirds of employers in a recent study reported increased productivity among their telecommuters. There are many reasons for this — among them, fewer workplace interruptions; happier, healthier employees; and time savings from not having to commute. Remote work also forces people to be more independent and self-directed.
  • Improved employee satisfaction. Data from Global Workplace Analytics show that 80 percent of employees surveyed consider telework a job perk — and employees who receive job perks are generally more satisfied with their jobs. Data also show that the majority of teleworkers report they have more time with family, friends and leisure, and a quarter of telework employers report improvements in their employees’ health and well-being.
  • Improved retention rates. According to HuffPost, the flexibility of telecommuting helps employers retain key employees who may otherwise leave because of personal reasons, such as moving further from the office. In fact, employees who eliminate extensive work commutes often experience less stress and can better sustain a positive work/life balance, thus increasing the likelihood that they’ll be more engaged in and committed to their work.

While there are some perceived downsides to allowing employees to work remotely, studies have shown time and again that the benefits far outweigh the risks for many employers.

Is it time to revisit your organization’s take on telework?

To see sample telework policies, guidelines, agreements and more, visit the new Telecommuting Toolkit in CUPA-HR’s Knowledge Center.