Prior to the outbreak of the pandemic, many organizations, both large and small, had not considered employing remote staff. Those who thought the traditional on-site model was the only way to succeed may have been resistant to the idea of remote working. Sadly, it took a global health crisis for people to realize that telecommuting can be a viable and straightforward option.
Now that vaccination program have been rolled out across the United States, employees are starting to return to their workplaces. However, many companies are not reverting to their pre-pandemic practices, instead opting for a hybrid strategy that incorporates both remote and on-site working. The benefits of remote working, such as increased productivity and greater flexibility, are being acknowledged by organizations, despite the associated challenges. Another advantage of global hiring is having access to a wider range of highly-skilled candidates.
The number of remote roles posted on Indeed has doubled since the start of the pandemic. In January 2023, 2.9% of job adverts were for positions that could be carried out remotely, whilst this figure had increased to 6.9% by February 2023.
As remote working opportunities increase, not all businesses are equipped to support telecommuters. Smaller organizations may be hesitant to look beyond their immediate area for potential employees, as there is a significant amount of risk involved.
As an international IT outstaffing firm, Works has been providing companies of all sizes with the most qualified remote IT professionals from around the world for over a decade. Our success in this field speaks for itself, and we believe the results we have achieved make us the perfect partner for your IT staffing needs.
In this article, we will explore the numerous benefits of collaborating with remote developers from various countries, and why it is increasingly vital for small businesses to capitalize on this opportunity.
The Benefits and Drawbacks of Employing Remote Workers Worldwide
First, we’d like to share a little anecdote before diving into the advantages and downsides of using remote employees for startups.
Sharon Koifman, who lived in the past, was concerned about the difficulty and expense of securing and maintaining reliable IT personnel. Outsourcing was a more cost-effective option, but it entailed bringing in personnel who were unfamiliar to the working environment.
He pondered the possibilities of why it was so difficult to find distant talent. Then, suddenly, an idea dawned on him: to create a virtual staffing firm. This company would not simply outsource work, but would assist businesses in locating and hiring remote employees on a full-time basis.
It is essential for all businesses, no matter their size, to have the best employees on board. Thanks to remote hiring, this is now achievable for organizations of all sizes, not only those with extensive resources. This is the background story of how Works was established.
Our goal is to provide small businesses with a comprehensive understanding of the global recruitment landscape. Therefore, let us analyze the advantages and disadvantages of remote hiring.
The benefits of using remote workers for small businesses include:
Consider the Potential!
Envision your favorite type of cookie, be it red velvet or double chocolate. Consider all the stores where these treats can be bought. Depending on your location, you may be able to find them within walking distance or you may have to drive for around 15 minutes. Now, picture a universe where there is an unlimited source of scrumptious red velvet/double chocolate cookies with chocolate from various countries such as Belgium, Brazil, France, the Netherlands and many more. All these delicious flavors are just for you.
By allowing employees to work from home, it is possible to widen the scope of potential candidates. Not only can you find excellent workers in your locality, but you can also extend your search to a much broader area. This increases the chances of finding an individual who meets the requirements of the role.
You Benefit from Cost Savings
How many small businesses out there are looking to save costs?
According to estimates from Global Workplace Analytics, businesses have the potential to save an average of $11,000 per employee annually if they allow their employees to work remotely for at least part of their time. Furthermore, individual workers could benefit to the tune of $2,000 to $7,000 per year.
There are numerous benefits for small businesses when it comes to remote hiring, not least the savings on workplace, technology, office supplies and refreshments. It is also worth considering the day-to-day expenses associated with recruitment. For example, the cost of recruiting a software engineer in the USA can vary greatly depending on the location, for example San Francisco could be twice as expensive as in Eastern Europe.
Global trend toward remote work
With the rise of remote working around the world, the year 2023 has been dubbed the ‘Year of Remote Work’. As the world gradually returns to pre-pandemic normality, businesses have become increasingly interested in incorporating flexible working arrangements into their plans for the foreseeable future.
Upwork estimates that 26.7% of Americans will continue to work remotely this year, with the number of remote employees expected to increase to 36.2% of the workforce by 2025.
One of the Most Effective Methods of Recruiting
The emergence of remote working has shifted the priorities of numerous employees. Previously, the most effective way for employers to attract suitable candidates was to offer a competitive salary, a pleasant working atmosphere, and benefits such as a gym and complimentary food.
A recent survey conducted by FlexJobs has revealed that the ideal job bait for many workers is remote work. It appears that those surveyed are willing to accept a wage reduction of between 10-20% in order to maintain their flexible working arrangements.
Employees Who Work Hard and Care
Having a productive and engaged workforce is essential to the success of any business. One of the most effective ways to encourage this is by enabling employees to work remotely.
The introduction of remote working provides employees with the opportunity to choose their own working environment, allowing them to work from home, a coworking space, a café or a restaurant. This flexibility allows employees to work in a way that best suits them, rather than in a restrictive 9 to 5 cubicle setting.
A poll conducted by ConnectSolutions revealed that approximately 30% of office workers reported increased productivity when not confined to a cubicle. Furthermore, 77% of telecommuters stated that they experienced greater productivity overall. Gallup also demonstrated that employees who work remotely between 60% and 80% of the time are more likely to be engaged, which further supports the notion that they are more effective away from the workplace.
Drawbacks of Using Remote Employees in Small Businesses
Issues with Discourse
Effective communication is essential for remote employees to be successful in their roles. While there are many great tools available, such as Zoom, Slack, Gmail and Skype, it is the responsibility of the leader to ensure everyone understands the expectations of their job. Without this, employing remote workers can become a nightmare for the company.
When employing remote workers from different time zones, it is important to take the time difference into consideration when arranging meetings. Each company has different processes, so it is worth researching the most effective collaboration tools for your team. Zoom and Slack are both popular options, but there may be better suited solutions to your needs. Implementing the right tools can help to boost team efficiency.
Some people aren’t set up for remote access
It is understandable to assume that, following a global pandemic and the increased prevalence of remote working, staff members will be well-equipped. However, the reality is not as straightforward. Employees who are based remotely require specific capabilities, including the ability to work autonomously, effectively manage their own time, and ensure that deadlines are met. Of course, those who work in a physical office still require these qualities, though they may be under greater scrutiny from an overseeing manager.
When seeking to fill remote working positions, it is essential to carefully assess which candidates are suitable for the role. For smaller businesses in particular, it is important to take extra measures throughout the recruitment process to identify applicants who are driven by more than the prospect of working from home in casual attire.
Spend Money on Appropriate Hardware/Software
Utilizing remote labor could potentially save you tens of thousands of dollars, however, it is important to consider any additional associated costs. For example, if you are employing a highly experienced writer, but their laptop is not functioning correctly, it could be beneficial to invest in new equipment such as a laptop, a second monitor, and other home office supplies. This could significantly increase the output of their work.
It is important to be aware that there are various costs associated with the use of software and resources for remote teams. These might include project management, video conferencing and human resource administration tools. Although there is an expense to consider, it is necessary to take this into account when assessing the success of a startup company.
Make Constant Efforts to Improve Your Culture
It is evident that effective communication is essential for successful remote working. However, communication also plays a pivotal role in the development of a new culture. It is worth noting that whilst ‘culture’ can have a multitude of meanings, there is an underlying commonality – employees desire to work for organizations that prioritize their values. Consequently, it is a shared aspiration to be part of a company which not only treats its personnel as part of a family but also rewards their efforts.
At Works, we understand the importance of creating a sense of community and culture in an on-site environment. To do this, we take initiative and use our ingenuity to build relationships. As an example, we host virtual Halloween parties, complete with the Macarena dance and birthday celebrations. During these occasions, we come together via Zoom to play games or watch videos together.
Refuse to Participate in Oversight
Managers must consider the implications of leading a remote workforce when recruiting new staff. While the physical presence of employees allows for direct observation, remote staff require a different approach to ensure their effectiveness. This presents a significant challenge when managing a remote team.
A successful manager is capable of managing both an in-office team and a distributed team equally well. To do so, it is essential to trust the staff and their capabilities. Whilst having remote workers can be beneficial, it may not be the ideal choice if the need for continual oversight is a priority.
The Prospects for Local Companies in a World of Remote Employment
Every decision can seem like a crucial one when managing a small business. This is especially true when taking into account the amount of time, effort, and resources invested in the recruitment process. As the nature of work evolves, hiring remote employees could be a wise strategy in order to foster growth and ensure success in the long run.
It is anticipated that by the end of this year, 25-30% of all occupations will have adopted remote working. This is likely to have a significant impact on recruitment in the future, as 80% of workers have expressed a desire to continue using remote working options once the pandemic has been contained. As such, many companies are now planning to sustain their use of remote workers.
The market is beginning to exhibit signs of international recruiting trends. For example, consider the following:
Workers’ Values Vary Widely
As a result of the pandemic, remote working has become increasingly popular, and many professionals are looking to relocate away from major cities for a less hectic lifestyle. According to a Reuters poll, an estimated 23 million Americans may relocate due to telecommuting. As such, it is essential for recruiters to understand the needs of prospective hires and provide the necessary perks, such as gym membership, if they have an interest in them.
Companies that Allow Workers to Work from Home
Due to the current pandemic, a number of companies have started offering short-term remote work opportunities as they grapple with the uncertainty of the post-COVID-19 environment. However, many workers are not keen on this type of temporary arrangement, preferring to have a full-time remote job or a hybrid model that would allow them to spend part of their time in the office and the other part at home.
The popularity of positions that can be carried out remotely is increasing among employers. The number of applicants for the role will depend on whether it is suitable for full-time or part-time remote working.
Digital New Employee Orientation
Virtual onboarding and remote hiring go hand in hand. The process of onboarding employees who work remotely is still novel to many businesses.
It is crucial that new hires are adequately prepared during the onboarding process to ensure they are able to achieve success in their role. This can be facilitated by integrating them into the organization and helping them to familiarize themselves with its procedures and workflow. To ensure virtual onboarding is successful, companies should develop appropriate procedures such as introducing the new hire to their team, providing instruction on the use of resources and familiarizing them with the virtual workplace.
Do You Plan to Join the Other Businesses that Are Realising the Benefits of Remote Work? Help Is at Hand via Labor!
Remote hiring has its advantages and disadvantages, and depending on your company’s needs, some may be more relevant than others. At Works, we are the leading remote recruitment firm and are here to help you build a strong team of remote employees. Our IT recruiters are available around the clock, working across different time zones to provide you with access to the best developers available online. Contact us today to find out how we can help you take your team to the next level.
