Many organizations have increased options to work outside the office in the past three years but inadequate technology and lost productivity are the main reasons professionals choose not to telecommute, says a new report by global staffing firm Robert Half.
The survey, which was released on Tuesday, found that only 43 per cent of professionals said their company provides the option to work off-site. Of those, 61 per cent take advantage of the perk and work from home; another three per cent do their job from another location, such as a café or shared office space, it said.
For the remaining 36 per cent, not having the right technology (47 per cent) and being less productive due to distractions (31 per cent) are the main deterrents to working outside the office, added the report.
“It’s important for organizations to keep their finger on the pulse of what attracts job seekers, and the ability to work remotely is clearly an offering many professionals look for,” said David King, senior district president of Robert Half, in a news release. “To entice top talent, employers should assess where perks like alternative work options can fit within their organization in ways that allow workers the flexibility they want, without compromising business goals.”
“It’s up to employers to set their staff up for success ― whether they’re in the office or not. Managers need to equip workers with up-to-date tools and resources, and schedule regular updates or in-person check-ins, to ensure the entire team remains productive and engaged, no matter where they are.”
Companies today are taking steps to support staff who want greater flexibility. In a separate survey of senior managers, 54 per cent said their organization has expanded remote work opportunities for employees in the past three years. Those organizations with 500 or more employees were more likely to offer increased telecommuting options compared to smaller businesses, added the report.
Mario Toneguzzi is a business reporter in Calgary.
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