(BPT) - With technology rapidly changing the world, people need to embrace an evolving workplace. The workforce has become more diverse and mobile - demanding different needs. And while some existing challenges have crossed over into the modern workplace, opportunities for succeeding have never been more viable.
One of the challenges faced by small and medium-sized businesses is hiring and retaining top talent. While small businesses routinely overcome the obstacles they face through innovative and creative solutions, can a solution be found when it comes to hiring and retaining employees?
Yes, it can.
Research shows that one of the ways small businesses can attract and retain top employees is to offer them more freedom in where they work. Sixty-four percent of small business owners report that offering flexible, mobile and remote work options have assisted them in hiring or retaining key employees according to research in the Plantronics infographic on workplace flexibility. In addition, research from Cornell University shows small companies who granted employees a choice in how they work grew four times faster and had one-third the turnover rate of more control-orientated companies.
The benefits of workplace flexibility are so important that even President Obama championed them during his White House Summit on Working Families.
Best of all, the benefits of offering flexible employee work schedules don't end with attracting and retaining top talent. Small and medium-sized businesses will also enjoy:
Boosted employee productivity.
The old belief was that employee productivity dropped off when employees left the traditional office setting. Recent research, however, shows the opposite to be true. Remote workers actually log more hours than on-site workers and are more engaged, according to a Gallup survey. Technology like Plantronics headsets allow employees to feel completely connected to the office while enjoying the comforts of home, making them more productive over the same time period.
Reduced office expenses.
Every manager knows that employee costs - salary, benefits, hiring and training costs, etc. - are the most expensive aspects of running a company. For many businesses, real estate costs come in second. Allowing employees to work offsite frees up existing commercial space for new employees to use, or it can even allow a company to downsize its real estate footprint and save money.
Cuts in travel costs and expands in sales.
Allowing your employees to enjoy remote working opportunities not only offers your company the chance to reduce its real estate expenses, it can also reduce travel expenses as well. Hiring remote workers in new locations expands your sales footprint when you hire professionals who live in a region instead of just traveling there. These regional sales professionals also have the opportunity to build stronger relationships with clients located outside the corporate office's territory.
Flexible working options do more than just help your company hire and retain quality staff. They allow your company to save money, expand sales and increase productivity. You can learn more about implementing a flexible working schedule and the latest technology with infographics, how-to guides, tools and resources to help your business stay competitive at www.plantronics.com/SMB.