It used to be that only salesmen worked from home. But increasingly this is being extended to all kinds of technical staff as the technology for remote working improves all the time.
With laptops, Virtual Private Networks, Hot Desking and Sharing of Computers, the Internet has helped to grow remote working. A number of us in our recruitment business work from home permanently and just go into the office for face to face team meetings.
We have a Fire systems design engineer vacancy at the moment where remote working is almost a must. There are so few of these highly skilled individuals to go round the companies who want one that they are willing to go to them via remote working on the internet rather than struggle to find someone local to their office.
While the office is in the North, the customers at the moment are in the South with London being the most boyant region. So being midway between the customers and the office or even closer to the customers makes sense as the customers often require face to face technical support.
There are usually also some distinct advantages to be had for the company.
• Improved retention of employees, e.g home working can help retain working parents with childcare responsibilities.
• A wider pool of applicants from which to recruit, e.g disabled people who may prefer to work from home. This adds ‘liquidity’ to the job market and companies and candidates are more likely to find what they want.
• Possible productivity gains through staff having fewer interruptions and less commuting time.
• Increased staff motivation with reduced stress and sickness levels.
• Savings on office space and other facilities.
• Possible location of sales staff near clients rather than being based in your premises.