13 Surprising WFH Statistics You Wouldn't Guess

It's no secret that even pre-pandemic businesses have started adopting remote work teams to save cost, provide flexibility, and build a positive work environment in d new era of work. Global Workplace Analytics estimates that 25-30% of the workforce will work remotely throughout 2021 and increasing numbers in 2022.

Remote employees reduce the carbon footprint

In a study by Owl labs, the study concluded that the average remote employee saves at least 40 minutes of drive time by being a remote worker.

Businesses would save an average of $11,000 annually per half-time telecommute

According to the same study, just by transitioning to half-time telecommuting options, businesses can save an average of $11,000 per employee. Think how many ways your business could utilize the additional overhead to grow and improve your team.

77% of remote employees say they’re more productive when working from home

According to Coso, employees that work remotely feel more productive when they work from their home office.

Improved Mental Health

80% said that having a flexible job would help them manage their mental health. As the pandemic has caused an increase in mental health problems, businesses that opt for remote work styles offer flexibility that promotes a healthy work/life balance

Less employee turnover

76% of workers would be more willing to stay with their current employer if they could work flexible hours. (FlexJobs)

74% of workers would quit their job if offered more flexible options elsewhere. (Softchoice)

Retaining employees is one of the easiest and yet most difficult ways for businesses to save on their overhead. By focusing on keeping employees, and providing them with the support and benefits that they need (including remote flexibility) businesses can save money.

Millennials preference

69% of millennials would give up other work benefits for a more flexible working space CBRE found. As more of the workforce is compromised of the Gen Xers or and Gen Z's, employers that choose remote working options are at an advantage by knowing what matters to this generation of workers.

Recommended by others

According to a recent study by Buffer, 97% of remote workers recommend remote working options to their friends and colleagues.

Less time off required

44% of remote workers who have unlimited vacation options only take two or three weeks off per year according to Buffer. When employees are satisfied and have more time for the day-to-day minutia, they don't need to task as much time off. This saves businesses money and provides flexibility for the employees as well.

Lots of room for growth

It's estimated that 44% of American jobs don't allow any work-from-home options at all. With 4.3 million estimated remote-jobs, that only accounts for 3.2% of the population. This leaves an opportunity for employers looking to make the switch to remote or flex options.

Remote workers plan to stay remote

90% of remote workers plan to continue to work remotely for the rest of their careers according to a study by Buffer.

New work management style for introverts

It's no secret that some team members prefer to be led rather than managed. Many introverts flourish and develop team relationships in a remote environment rather than a physical environment. By being able to interact as necessary, many introverts prefer the remote-work style.

Remote work changes the real estate landscape

As remote work opens up the option for employees to work from small cities, beaches, coffee shops, or wherever the world takes them - it allows the flexibility for individuals to live and work where they want, and avoid expensive metropolis areas.

The main challenge: unplugging

The biggest challenge to remote working is the ability to unplug. Employees that work remotely state that the ability to unplug is the strongest challenge they face. When flexible work options are set in place, it's important for businesses to manage expectations and ensure individuals aren't going overboard.

Has your team established a full-time or part-time remote work style since the pandemic? We'd love to hear how you and your team have evolved with the changes over the past year. Send us a line or drop us a tweet to get your story featured on our site!