Exploring the benefits of remote work

Efforts to bring workers back to the office appear to be losing momentum, with return-to-office rates stagnating. In fact, only 44 per cent of office workers are now required to be in the office at least three days a week — a drop from 48 per cent in 2023. For employers who do enforce office attendance, the most common arrangement remains the hybrid model: three days in the office and two from home.

So what’s behind this trend?

What are some of the reasons?

The benefits of working from home for employees are well-known. The benefits of working from home for employees are well-known. But increasingly, businesses are finding that remote work can benefit them too.Some of the ways remote work can benefit employers include:

Helps businesses attract and retain talent

In an era where it can be challenging to attract skilled candidates, recruitment and retention is more critical than ever. For many businesses, offering flexible working arrangements helps them attract and retain top talent.

Increasingly, some candidates will not consider roles that do not offer hybrid working arrangements. This means organisations that do not offer flexibility may struggle to attract the best candidates.

Those in remote roles are also more likely to remain in their roles long-term. According to one study, organisations that offer hybrid working arrangements have 35 per cent less staff turnover.

Remote work can boost work-life balance, leading to improved wellbeing. When employees feel satisfied in their roles, they’re less likely to start looking elsewhere.

Helps businesses save money

In addition, some companies have found that allowing staff to work from home can provide financial benefits. Reducing staff turnover can have a positive financial impact on many businesses. For larger organisations, each resignation can cost up to $50,000 due to advertising and recruitment expenses.

Remote work can also reduce the need for office space, allowing businesses to cut their rental costs.

Helps increase workers productivity

The impact of remote work on productivity is not what some people might expect. There is a common belief that working from home makes employees less productive. However, this is not always the case. In fact in some cases, the opposite is true. Working from home can eliminate distraction such as casual conversations with colleagues at the beginning of the day. This can help employees remain focused.

A study by The Conversation revealed that one in five remote workers believe that working from home has made them more productive. Just one in 30 say working from home has made them less productive.

Importantly, the same study revealed that one in five bosses also believed that working from home had made their employees more productive.

Some remote workers also use the time they would have spent commuting performing extra work tasks. According to The Conversation, workers spend on average one third of the time they save commuting on unpaid work tasks. Another study estimated remote workers clock an average of 20 per cent more hours.

Of course, working from home isn’t without its drawbacks. It can lead to feelings of disconnection from colleagues and reduced collaboration among staff. In many industries, it simply isn’t possible. But for many people — both employers and employees — the benefits often outweigh the downsides.

As more businesses embrace flexible work, now is a great time to explore new career opportunities — particularly in organisations offering hybrid or remote roles.

Are you looking for a new career? Selection Criteria Writers offers more than just selection criteria writing. We also offer specialised resume support and interview skills coaching.

Article References

Bell, M (30 April 2025) ‘The future is hybrid: Why WFH is a win for Aussies and how it’s saving businesses money’, The Australian, accessed 21 July 2025.

Hensher, D.A (9 August 2024) ‘Making workers return to the office might not make them any more productive, despite what the NSW premier says’, The Conversation, accessed 21 July 2025.

Ziffer, D (21 April 2025) ‘Survey finds ‘return to office’ demands falling as hybrid work becomes new normal’, ABC News, accessed 21 July 2025.