Pros and Cons of Employees Working from Home

Thinking of allowing employees to work from home? Here are the pros and cons of remote working employers should know.

 

Even as COVID-19 restrictions loosen, many companies are wrestling with the decision to make employees come back into physical workspaces. Many businesses have found employees are just as effective when working remotely, and employees enjoy the flexibility of working from home allows. Remote working isn’t ideal for everyone, though. Our HR experts break down the advantages and disadvantages of allowing employees to work from home.

 

Pros of Working from Home

 

Increased Productivity

Workplaces have a lot of distractions that employers don’t always realize. Working from home eliminates all of those, allowing employees to focus on their work. Maybe some employees work better with music playing or are more productive without human interactions to distract them. These accommodations aren’t always possible in a physical workspace, which is why remote working can help increase efficiency. Remote working allows employees to create a controlled and productive environment that improves performance.

 

More Flexibility

Many employers are hesitant to adopt work from home because they’re reluctant to give up control. Increased flexibility in scheduling can help your business, though. These are unprecedented times, and many employees have a lot of stress on their minds. From dealing with virtual schooling for children to taking care of sick loved ones, sticking to traditional work hours at home isn’t always possible. As long as employees do their work well and on time, employers should embrace flexible working. Increased flexibility will not only increase productivity but will also help with employee retention.

 

Time & Cost Savings

There are a lot of costs that go into maintaining a physical workspace, especially with new health and safety policies these days. Eliminating physical workspaces in favor of remote working can save your business a ton on commercial real estate and upkeep costs. Working from home also eliminates commuting, saving employees time. The time savings allow employees to do more outside of work hours so that they can focus on the job once they’re on the clock.

 

Cons of Working from Home

 

Security Concerns

One issue businesses will have to discuss when switching to remote working is cybersecurity. Sending certain information online has a security risk, which is why your business should invest in cybersecurity and establish strict guidelines for work information for employees. For certain industries, though, the security risk is too significant and may not allow for remote working. Your company will have to evaluate whether or not working from home makes sense from a security standpoint.

 

Less Collaboration

A downside of remote working is that fostering a company culture can be more challenging. There is less opportunity for connection and collaboration when people aren’t in a physical workspace. Employers will have to make additional effort to ensure employees are still effectively working together. This is especially important with new virtual hires so that they feel a part of the company.

 

More Oversight

While some employees may flourish under more flexibility and less oversight, every employee is different, and others may flounder. Employers will have to keep a closer eye on those that may need more structure even when remote working. This will mean more communication and oversight for managers. Companies will have to evaluate whether their employees do well when working from home and make adjustments if employees start to struggle.

 

If you’re looking for HR solutions from experts, Nova Staffing is here to help! Our employment agency is one of the best in the Greater Toronto Area, and we’re committed to assisting employers in finding, hiring, and training qualified staff. Contact us today to get started!

4 Great Tips for Virtual Hiring

Canada has done a great job of fighting COVID-19. However, many companies continue to operate on the side of caution by continuing remote work. With looming uncertainty about a possible second wave of the pandemic and an uncertain timeline for a vaccine, many businesses have been turning to recruitment agencies for tips on how to effectively find, interview, and hire virtually. Here are a few tips from our HR experts at Nova Staffing that you should keep in mind when virtually hiring.

 

Select and Test Video Interview Software

Instead of a conference room or office, online video software is where the interview will be taking place. There are tons of popular video conference companies out there right now. Each has its advantages and disadvantages. Make sure you research and test them out ahead of time to ensure the interview goes off without a hitch. Be sure to let the candidates know ahead of time which software you’ll be using as well. That way, they’ll have time to get it ready before the interview.

 

Keep it Professional

Interviews are not only when you’ll get your first impression of the candidate, but it’s also when they’ll make their first impression of you and the company. Try to keep things as professional as an in-person interview would be. This includes staying on schedule, having questions ready, wearing a put-together outfit, and making sure the area around you is quiet with a neutral backdrop. Remember to gently remind the candidate to dress appropriately and find a quiet spot for the interview as well.

 

Make a Connection

One of the hardest parts about remote working and virtual hiring is forging connections. Asking about job history, assessing skills, and talking about the role and company is essential, but that’s what resumes are for. Connecting with candidates and getting to know them is just as vital to know if they’ll be a good fit for the job. Try having an actual conversation with them and asking a few questions. Candidates that feel connected to you and the company are more likely to be a success.

 

Use a Hiring Agency

Many businesses are busy reopening and trying to figure out new workplace policies. That may mean there just isn’t enough time to properly find, vet, and interview candidates. Partnering with a professional staffing agency can save your company time and money by letting them handle most of the hiring process. They’ll find, vet, interview, and even train candidates so that you can focus on running your business!

 

Nova Staffing is one of the top hiring agencies in Toronto, Brampton, and the GTA. We have a team of HR experts experienced with virtual hiring that are ready to help your company with any staffing needs! Contact us today to get started.