• Remote working is gaining more and more popularity among all types of businesses.
• Hiring freelancers or training your team to work remotely has a number of benefits like lower rates, happier employees, and more productivity.
• Here’s your guide to the ultimate benefits you will get by hiring remotely.

Currently, around 30% of Australian employees classify themselves as freelancers or remote workers. Despite the skyrocketing number of people now working from home after the COVID-19 pandemic, the number of remote workers was already on the rise.

It’s clear that flexible, adaptable work routines are the future of the modern office. There are a number of reasons for this, not least the benefits that it poses for emotional and physical well-being.

The reality is that we live in a stressful world. Work environments are stressful because jobs involve a lot more pressure than they ever did fifty years ago. Fortunately, business owners are starting to acknowledge this and the potential impact of stress and exhaustion on productivity. Many are turning to remote routines to make work more enjoyable for employees.

This guide to the benefits of remote work will explain why a little flexibility goes a long way for modern businesses.

Happier, More Efficient Employees

We all know that jobs can be restrictive sometimes. They’re not built on equal power dynamics, not traditionally at least. Employees are expected to function at a high level when requested, even if the time, location, or mode of working isn’t compatible with their strengths.

When you invest in remote routines, you allow employees to maximize their skills. Not everybody is at their most productive first thing in the morning. Some people work best in the evening. Others find their creativity when free to work outdoors, in coffee shops, or from collaborative spaces like the virtual office solutions offered by Servcorp. 

More Attractive to Top Level Talent

As remote working becomes the norm for many freelancers and contractors, it’s going to get harder to offer arguments against it, particularly when you’re trying to win over top level recruits. Creative, innovative types thrive in flexible environments, so appeal to their needs.

Embracing remote routines is a great way to attract the kind of talent which will drive your business forward. Even geographic limitations are no longer a problem because you can stay in contact with overseas recruits via Skype, FaceTime, and other video tools.

A Greater Focus on Results

The problem with traditional employment structures is that workers are often paid more for just spending time in the office than the demonstrable results they produce. If all you have to do to earn a paycheque is be present, you might be inclined to put in less effort.

If you’re in charge of your schedule, on the other hand, there’s a lot more responsibility. You’ve actually got to think carefully about the optimal times to carry out tasks, how to structure the working day, and how you’re going to ensure that key targets are met.

The Freedom to Outsource

For entrepreneurs and small teams, it’s worth considering the financial benefits of remote work routines. If you’re just starting out and your budget is small, you might not be able to hire all of the experts you need right away. However, you can hire temporary freelance employees.

These individuals can perform at the same standard as in house workers (if recruited correctly), but they charge smaller rates and consume none of your resources. They work to their own schedule, in virtual offices and coffee shops, but regularly check in with employers.

Where to Find Remote Workers in Australia

There are no hard and fast rules for recruiting remote workers. Generally, they are either sourced from outside the company (freelancers and contractors) or they are existing employees, who have been given remote training.

If you need to hire somebody to carry out one off or short-lived tasks, a freelancer is probably the best option. Many business owners source these professionals from virtual offices because the facilities are filled with creative people from all kinds of different industries.