Why is remote work becoming standard practice?
Half of Canadian employees are now spending 2.5 days a week working out of the office, a new survey by workspace specialist IWG revealed.
Moreover, seven in 10 employees opt for remote work at least once a week, while a fifth work outside the office for the entire work week.
Telecommuting is now becoming standard practice among companies in Canada. This increased mobility is brought on by advances in technology and the changing requirements and expectations of workers, the study showed.
“Canadian employees no longer need so much time in a particular office,” said Wayne Berger, CEO of IWG Canada and Latin America.
“We’re entering the era of the mobile workforce and it’s a game changer – not just for employees, but for employers too.”
What are the advantages of letting employees work remotely? The majority of employers cited the following:
- Business growth, 88%
- Profitability, 83%
- Lower real estate management costs, 81%
- Attracting and retaining talent, 71%
Workers also saw the positive impact of telecommuting on their own productivity, growth, and wellbeing, as evidenced by the following:
- Shorter commute time, 83%
- Greater opportunity to attend educational events, 82%
- Increased productivity, 80%
- Improved work-life balance, 75%
- Greater networking opportunities, 54%
- More efficient meetings, 52%