Teleworking has quickly established itself as an effective solution for businesses around the world. An APEC study (Teleworking for executives) published in 2024 reveals that the practice of teleworking is gaining ground in VSE-SMEs , with an increase of 8 percentage points for VSEs between 2022 and 2023, and of 4 points for SMEs.
In addition to the obvious benefits for employees, this practice also offers many benefits for employers . In this article, we will explore in depth what the benefits of teleworking are for the employer , how teleworking can improve productivity, reduce costs, and increase the attractiveness of your company, while providing concrete examples to illustrate each benefit . 📈
1. Cost reduction 💸
Reduction of real estate costs
One of the main advantages of teleworking for the company is the reduction of fixed costs. By allowing your employees to work remotely, you can reduce expenses related to real estate, utilities, and office maintenance.
Concrete example at IBM
IBM has saved about $2 billion since 2009 by reducing the size of its offices and encouraging teleworking.
Reduction in operational expenses
By reducing the number of workstations required in company premises, the costs associated with office rent and maintenance decrease. Expenses for electricity, heating and other utilities are also reduced. These savings can then be reinvested in growth initiatives or employee well-being. This advantage of teleworking for the company is particularly beneficial in large cities where real estate costs are high.
2. Improved productivity 🚀
Increased productivity
Well-organized teleworking can significantly increase employee productivity. The absence of distractions from the office environment and flexible schedules allow employees to focus more on their tasks. However, care must be taken to ensure that employees have teleworking equipment adapted to their use and their home.
According to the 2023 Teleworking Observatory, 72% of French people say that they can concentrate better when working from home, which directly improves their productivity and the quality of their work. For more details, consult the “Results of the 2023 survey: the widespread disorganization of (tele)working ”.
Flexibility of schedules
When working remotely, interruptions such as chatter between colleagues, unscheduled meetings and noise pollution are reduced. Additionally, flexible scheduling allows employees to work during times when they are most productive, whether that's early in the morning or late at night. This flexibility is an employer teleworking advantage that helps maximize employee performance.
3. Reduction in absence: an advantage of teleworking for the employer 🚫
Reduction of absenteeism
Teleworking helps reduce employee absenteeism. Transportation issues or minor illnesses no longer result in prolonged absences, as employees can continue to work from home.
In 2023, the absenteeism rate in France decreased, returning to a level close to that of 2021 (4.94%) after a peak in 2022 (5.64%). For more details, consult the study entitled “ Observatory of social performance ”, published in April 2024 by Diot Siaci and the IFOP.
Business continuity
Employees no longer need to take time off for minor medical appointments or transportation issues. They can manage these situations from home while continuing to work. Additionally, the stress and fatigue associated with daily commuting are eliminated, thereby reducing sick leave. This advantage of teleworking for the employer contributes to better continuity of operations.
4. Talent attraction and retention: an asset for businesses🌟
Advantages of teleworking for recruitment and retention
Offering teleworking can make your company more attractive to talent. Many professionals are looking for flexible work opportunities that allow them to better balance their work and personal lives. The advantages of teleworking for recruitment are multiple (recruitment without geographical boundaries, reduction of recruitment costs, search for flexibility, etc.), because they broaden the pool of potential candidates and attract talents who value flexibility.
Work/life balance
Qualified professionals look for companies that offer modern and flexible working conditions. Offering teleworking allows you to attract talented candidates who might otherwise choose competitors who offer more flexibility. Additionally, existing employees are more likely to stay with a company that respects their need for work-life balance .
5. Better quality of life for employees 😊
Employee well-being
Employee well-being is directly linked to their productivity and engagement with the company. Working from home helps reduce their stress and improve their quality of life.
Reduced travel stress
Telecommuting eliminates the daily commute, allowing employees to spend more time with their families and manage personal obligations more easily. This improvement in quality of life translates into greater job satisfaction, improved morale and increased motivation, which directly benefits the company.
6. Flexibility and adaptability 🔄
Rapid adaptation to unforeseen events
Teleworking offers great flexibility which allows the company to adapt quickly to unforeseen situations. Whether it's a pandemic, transportation strike, or extreme weather conditions, your operations can continue without interruption with teleworking.
Business continuity
Teleworking allows businesses to continue operating even when offices are not accessible. This ensures continuity of operations and avoids financial losses associated with work stoppages. Additionally, employees can manage their schedules more flexibly, increasing their ability to adapt to changing business needs.
Disadvantages and limits of teleworking for the employer⚠️
While telecommuting has many benefits for employers, it is not without its challenges. Businesses must navigate several hurdles to maximize the benefits of remote work. Disadvantages of teleworking include the complexity of managing remote teams, team cohesion issues, and challenges related to employee onboarding and professional development. In this section, we will examine these challenges in detail and propose solutions to overcome them effectively.
Remote team management
Despite its many advantages, teleworking also presents certain limitations for the employer. Managing remote teams can be more complex and requires effective communication and management tools .
Productivity management
It can be difficult for managers to track employee productivity without in-person interactions. Project management tools and communication platforms are essential, but can also represent an additional cost and require training.
Team cohesion issues
Lack of social interactions can also affect team cohesion. Employees may feel isolated and disconnected from the company culture, which can decrease their engagement and job satisfaction.
Integration and professional development issues
Young executives may feel isolated and miss out on mentoring and networking opportunities, which can slow their career progression. This raises questions about the optimal organization of hybrid work.
Resilience in the face of disadvantages
However, in the eyes of executives, including the youngest, these limits do not call into question the desire to perpetuate the practice of teleworking. In fact, 7 out of 10 executives believe that teleworking has more advantages than disadvantages ( APEC study published in 2024 ).
What are the challenges of teleworking for the company?
Teleworking poses several challenges for companies. Managing remote teams requires effective communication tools and a new approach to management. Team cohesion and company culture can be tested by the lack of in-person interactions. Finally, the integration and professional development of young executives must be carefully managed to avoid isolation and a slowdown in their career progression. These issues must be addressed to maximize the benefits of teleworking for the employer.
Teleworking has many advantages for the employer. By reducing costs, increasing productivity and improving employee satisfaction, it can become a major asset to your business. Adopt this working method to benefit from all these advantages and make your company more competitive. 🏆
