How many of your company’s employees are working at home? Nationwide, it’s estimated that before the COVID-19 outbreak, more than 40 percent of U.S. office employees worked at least part of the time remotely. That percentage has, of course, skyrocketed with the advent of social distancing.

Research shows that telecommuting has numerous benefits to employers (such as more productive and engaged workers) and employees (less time and cost involved in commuting and more outstanding work-life balance). Yet Gallup data suggest that telecommuting yields the most benefits to employees and employers when workers do not spend 100 percent of their time at home. They’re more engaged when they spend some of the work week working remotely and the other part working in a location with their coworkers. Any amount of time the employee spends at the office helps, even if it’s minimal. The optimal engagement boost, according to Gallup, occurs when employees spend between 60-80 percent of their workweek working off-site and 20-40 percent at the office. Something to keep in mind after the coronavirus outbreak ends.

Why is this the case? Numerous factors come into play. One important one is the out-of-sight-out-of-mind issue. Numerous studies show that telecommuting workers, on average are as productive or even more productive than employees who work in the office and have long commutes and more significant distractions to deal with. But when an employee is in the same office as their manager, it’s easier for the manager to see and recognize achievements, according to Gallup. When the manager and employees are in different locations, there are fewer opportunities for this to occur. That can leave telecommuting workers feeling undervalued and less engaged. Managers need to ensure they are celebrating the successes of — and offering advancement opportunities to — both in-office workers and telecommuters.

Another reason why a 100 percent telecommuting plan is not always ideal is that fully remote workers do not get the opportunity to connect with their coworkers, which can lead to feelings of isolation. Human beings crave connection with others. Employees form bonds with other employees in office break rooms, lunchrooms, and at the water cooler and coffee pot. Even small amounts of face time with coworkers and managers can help increase the odds that an employee’s telecommuting efforts are successful for everyone involved.

From a technology standpoint, cloud computing can provide the type of flexibility both employees and companies need to handle a mix of remote and in-office work. With cloud computing, work can be done on a smartphone, tablet, laptop, or desktop with a secured internet connection, 24/7, from any location. If you’re seeking cloud solutions to enhance your business operations, we can help. Selecting the right platform is key, and we can help you through all your options. Get in touch today.