Remote hiring has become a widely recognized term, particularly after the advent of COVID-19. It is now a common phrase, with at least 50 out of every 100 individuals having some knowledge of it. This method of recruitment has gained popularity due to its numerous advantages. At the beginning of 2023, it was found that approximately 18% of employees worldwide were working remotely on a full-time basis, which is quite impressive.
What is remote hiring?
Remote hiring refers to the process whereby a business or company recruits an employee based on their talent and skills for a specific job role within the organization. This recruitment is conducted through online interviews, after which the employee works remotely from a location of their choice, such as their home, coffee shops, or libraries. Multiple remote employees can work together as a team.
From the perspective of recruiters, remote hiring offers several benefits. It enables them to access a pool of talented individuals from around the globe, often at a lower cost compared to hiring locally. Remote work has proven to be a blessing for employees as well, as it allows them to work from the comfort of their own space, even in their pyjamas, if they so desire.
Estimates suggest that by 2025, approximately 22% of American workers, amounting to around 36.2 million people, will be working remotely.
Remote hiring : Recruiters first choice
As a business owner, one always seeks to reduce unnecessary expenses in the company while fostering a peaceful and collaborative working environment among employees.
Remote hiring offers several avails, including:
1.Cost savings for the company.
2.Improved employee retention.
3.Access to talented and skilled individuals worldwide.
4.Increased employee productivity.
5.Reduced or eliminated office politics, saving managers and human resources staff from headaches.
6.Time-saving for employees.
7.Enhanced employee happiness, leading to a positive team atmosphere.
Advantages of remote hiring
Increase in retention of employees:
Flexible working arrangements contribute to employee retention by allowing individuals to achieve a healthy work-life balance and spend more time with their families. This leads to stronger bonds between the company and remote workers, ultimately enhancing loyalty and commitment.
Access to global talent:
While hiring locally limits access to a limited talent pool, opting for remote hiring enables companies to tap into highly skilled individuals worldwide, taking time zones into account. This broadens the talent pool and benefits the company in the long run.
Cost savings:
When hiring an onboarding team, a company incurs various costs such as office rent, cleaning staff, office furniture, Wi-Fi expenses, and security personnel. Remote hiring eliminates these costs, allowing businesses to allocate the saved resources to other critical areas. Additionally, the company saves on relocation expenses.
Productivity:
Working remotely from their preferred environment enhances employee productivity. Increased productivity translates to greater efficiency, contributing to the company’s growth and profitability.
Time savings for workers:
Commuting to the office consumes valuable time and resources for employees. Remote work eliminates these concerns, enabling employees to use that time more effectively and happily for work-related tasks.
Office politics:
Office environments are sometimes marred by politics and conflicts among colleagues. Remote workers, on the other hand, experience fewer or no such issues, creating a more harmonious working atmosphere.
Why employee don’t wanna switch back to the office –
Working from home provides a comfortable environment that allows individuals to work in their preferred space and attire. Avoiding traffic and travel saves time and preserves mental well-being.
Remote work offers a quiet and peaceful environment, which promotes focus and concentration. In contrast, office settings can be noisy and distracting, making it challenging to maintain productivity.
The presence of family while working remotely provides emotional support, safety, and happiness. It also facilitates a better work-life balance, allowing individuals to interact and spend time with their loved ones.
Conclusion
Both employers and employees can benefit from remote hiring and remote work. However, it is important to acknowledge and address potential challenges, such as miscommunication among team members and the need for insights into employee activities. Regular communication with employees is crucial to ensure their proper engagement. When hiring, employers should seek individuals who possess qualities such as resourcefulness, motivation, responsibility, collaboration, assertiveness, and organisational skills.