For a long time, remote working was seen as a makeshift solution for startups that could not raise the money to rent office spaces. That changed a bit and people started seeing it as a workable solution for geographically-independent startups. However, the coronavirus pandemic has precipitated a different ballgame in regards to remote working. It is now a necessity for both small and big corporations that have survived the pandemic this far. But is remote working sustainable in the long run? Should startup entrepreneurs consider working remotely as part of their startup idea?
Well, not all business models are suited for remote setup, so you need to consider your industry before making up your mind. If you work as a marketing agency, an information technology company, as an app developer, customer service firm, or as a web developer, among others, you definitely should start thinking of how remote working can be part of your overall workforce routine even after coronavirus.
However, outside marketing and technology, you will need to reassess your chances of success if you go remote. A furniture store or a coffee house, for example, might not be best suited for remote work options. Handymen, drivers, baristas, etc. have to report to work after all. However, you should think about how you can move some of the services online in order to take advantage of the increased demand in e-commerce. You will get to your customers easier that way, and some of your employees will be freed up to work from home. You can even hire freelancers to cut your costs even further.
With that in mind, here are 5 more reasons why you should consider working remotely as part of your startup idea:
1. It is easy to access the resources you need to run your business remotely, fast and affordably
Working remotely doesn’t necessarily mean working from home. If you are afraid that your kids, partner, or pets will disrupt you as you work, you can always move your workstation to a nearby coworking space. These spaces primarily provide startup entrepreneurs with upscale office facilities at a small fee. You don’t have to meet clients at coffee shops or investors at high-end restaurants just because you work remotely. You can always meet them in a decent and affordable place such as a coworking space.
Co-working spaces are more than just open areas with comfortable office desks and chairs. They are upscale spaces in upscale neighborhoods that are equipped with a high-speed internet connection to boost your productivity.
2. Remote working reduces overhead costs
Not having to pay for an office space reduces your overhead costs. But there is more. First, if you work in a coworking space in Los Angeles, you don’t have to worry about biding lease agreements, Wi-Fi, technology, utility bills, bathroom supplies, staff tea, among other costs, because they are all catered for in your monthly or annual fee. Secondly, if you and your employees work from home, you will save on gas and other transport costs.
3. Competitive hiring
There isn’t a limiting radius within which you can staff within a certain radius. You can hire the best talents among the very best in the entire global labor market. And because the quality of your human resource is the most important aspect of any startup, you must grab the chance of forming a diverse all-star team.
4. Reduced office politics
Office politics affect productivity. It can actually limit the growth prospects of a budding company. Sometimes an office is reduced into a hub for gossip, unnecessary team meetings, and politics over who should and who should not be noticed or rewarded. In remote working, every team member is all by themselves, working towards a set objective. Their output is what matters at the end of the day.
5. Remote working actually boosts productivity
In a remote working arrangement, employees incorporate work into their lifestyles. Achieving a healthy work-life balance is easier that way as opposed to when they have to fit their lifestyles into work obligations. They work when they feel most productive; one can choose to rest during the day and work through the night. That flexibility promotes employee satisfaction, retention, and productivity.
Conclusion
Transitioning to remote work is never easy for anyone, but startups are better placed to make the switch compared to established corporations. So, if you can manage to make the necessary adjustments without harming your revenue prospects, remote working should be a worthy consideration.
The post Should Working Remotely Be Part Of Your Start-up Idea? was first published on Coworkaholic.