The benefits of remote and hybrid working

Your next star employee might be 10,000 miles away. Learn how hybrid working attracts global talent, creates diverse teams and provides a competitive edge.

Tired of the traditional 9-to-5 grind? You're not alone. More and more people are working remotely. 2020 was the year that changed everything. Overnight, remote working became vital to save businesses, future-proof jobs and protect people, but why does flexible work still matter?

Back when this ‘new’ way of working began, 73% of employees wanted to make remote working permanent, and 39% even went as far as saying they would resign if remote working wasn’t an option, and ever since, employee demands continue rising.

While hybrid working isn’t an option for every business, it reaches much further than you might realise. From doctors performing remote screening appointments to farmers managing supplier meetings virtually, there are opportunities for all businesses to benefit.

Remote working opens your business to a world of talent, literally. As hybrid working becomes a must-have for today’s employees, stepping outside traditional local recruitment lets you tap into skilled professionals you might never have reached before. From niche specialists to diverse candidates with unique, fresh perspectives, offering remote or hybrid options gives you a real advantage.

So, how can you make the most of this opportunity? We know not all businesses are prepared to instantly adapt to changing ways of working, but you can take small steps to evolve. We also explain what remote, hybrid, and flexible work mean, and explore how it can boost productivity, attract top talent, improve employee wellbeing, and transform your business.

Discover more on how hybrid working can benefit your business.

How does remote working broaden the talent pool?

Working remotely hasn’t just changed how we work. It’s changed how we recruit.

When you only employ locally, you’re narrowing your options, especially for those tough-to-fill roles. Remote positions break down boundaries, opening your search to a much wider audience and helping you find the right person – whether they’re 10 miles away or 10,000.

Hybrid working also attracts people who may struggle with traditional office setups, like working parents, people with disabilities, and those from diverse backgrounds. Bringing in talent with varied perspectives also drives creativity, innovation, and stronger problem-solving.

What's the difference between remote, hybrid and flexible working?

While remote, hybrid, and flexible work often feel interchangeable, they’re all different.

Remote working is when you work entirely from outside the office. Think home office, friendly coffee shop, or anywhere with a good internet connection.

Hybrid working isa mix of both. Some days you're in the office, others you're at home or somewhere else. It's like the best of both worlds.

Flexible working covers different work arrangements, like part-time, flexible start and finish times, compressed hours, or job-sharing.

Since April 6th 2024 in the UK, the rules around flexible working have changed. Your people can now ask to work flexibly from day one, rather than after 26 weeks. They can also make two requests a year, and UK businesses have two months to give them a yes or no (and have good reasons to refuse). Find out more here.

Always check the regulations around working hours in your location so you stay compliant.

What are the benefits of remote and hybrid working?

Flexible work isn't just a trend. It's here to stay, offering big benefits for you and your employees. It's especially helpful for those with caring responsibilities, disabilities, or long commutes. Plus, it helps reduce burnout, which can drain productivity and lower morale.

So, what are the plus points? Here are 5 key benefits of remote and hybrid working.

Hybrid working increases productivity

Is hybrid working more efficient? While some companies worry that remote work may get in the way of productivity, studies suggest otherwise. In fact, 61% of people say they’re more productive when working remotely, thanks to more control over their day, fewer distractions, and fewer sick days.

Hybrid working increases job satisfaction

It's not just about getting more done. Hybrid work is making people happier, too.

Giving employees the freedom to choose where and when they work shows trust., boosting morale and powering a huge 83% increase in job satisfaction.

Improved work-life balance

Hybrid work means less time commuting and more time for what matters. People feel less stressed, have more energy, and can better balance their personal lives, improving mental and physical health.

It also frees up valuable time for those caring for children or elderly parents, or attending school events or GP or hospital appointments. For an added bonus, less commuting is also great for the environment.

Attract new talent (and retain existing staff)

Hybrid or flexible work is a magnet for top talent. It opens doors to a wider pool of candidates, no matter where they live or their personal circumstances, and keeps your current team happy.

It’s also key to building a winning team. Almost half of workers expect flexibility in where and when they work, while 38% say they’d leave a job that demands always being in the office.

Save money

Hybrid work can be a big money-saver. Less office space means lower costs for rent, utilities, office equipment, and even tea and coffee. Unsurprisingly, around 60% of businesses say it's a major benefit, saving, on average, over $11,000 per employee.

Hybrid working challenges

It’s important to note there are hybrid working advantages and disadvantages. Here are some things to keep in mind:

Communication hurdles. Coordinating meetings and sharing information can be trickier when teams are spread out. However, there are plenty of ways to get the best out of your team. To help you get started, check out our recommendations for the 7 best collaboration tools.

Isolation. Some people thrive in a traditional office environment, enjoy the companionship and may struggle with the isolation of remote work.

Team culture challenges. Building and maintaining a strong team culture can be tougher when people are in different places. Here’s how you can maintain a company culture in a hybrid workforce.

Cyber security risks. With more employees working remotely, the risk of cyberattacks can increase. Stay safe with our cyber security guide.

Unequal opportunities. If senior staff are office-based, there’s a risk of creating a two-tier workforce, where people in the office potentially have more visibility and opportunities for career development.

The benefits of flexible working include a happier, more productive, and cost-effective workplace that attracts top talent. By carefully considering your employees' needs, establishing clear guidelines, and investing in the right technology, you can create a thriving work environment that benefits your people and your business. Here’s how to make hybrid working a success.

Take advantage of every opportunity

The business landscape is constantly evolving, so adopting new technology to meet your business challenges must continue too.

Start by thinking about what you want to achieve in six months, one year and five years. Then, consider how technology could help you reach those goals. Maybe marketing on social media could boost sales. Or perhaps building a new website could make all the difference. Help your business now and in the future by identifying which digital opportunities could benefit you most.

Technology has also brought about more opportunities for flexible working. After all, thanks to these new ways of working, employers no longer have to hire within the constraints of a single location – providing greater access to more diverse and high-quality talent. Not forgetting that employees are also able to work wherever they choose, which has improved job satisfaction and employee engagement.

Flexibility = focus

Giving people more control over their work environment has seen spikes in productivity too, with almost six out of ten workers saying their more productive when working from home than they expected to be.

And some companies have taken this opportunity to downsize their offices, reducing costs in the process. Not to mention that many employees have happily waved goodbye to their daily commute – saving both time and money.

Start by thinking small

In the long run, every step you take will add up to make a huge difference to business success. However, to realise the full benefits of offering a work-from-anywhere approach, you need to optimise processes across the business and look carefully at possible complications.

What do we mean? Well, remote working can prove difficult for things as simple as managing document versions or choosing how you speak or collaborate with your team, which can result in reduced productivity. An easy fix is to adopt tools and practices that enable your team to work simultaneously on documents, emails, presentations and spreadsheets, from absolutely any device.

Plus, since non-verbal communications, like body language and facial expressions, are equally important as words, you need to create opportunities for your team to speak face-to-face – even when they aren’t in the office. By implementing video conferencing and other tools that allow your team to communicate in the way they need to, you’ll help them stay connected.

Protect your data, employees and business

Then there’s security to consider. Did you know cyberattacks increased by 400% in 2020?

If you want to give your team total freedom to work where they want and from any device, while knowing all data is secure, then make sure you arm your business with the right security to avoid threats and costly mistakes. In our digital world, security can’t be an afterthought – make sure you’re set up to protect your business from day one.

Tips for recruiting remote employees

Attracting remote talent takes more than a great job ad. Here’s how to refine your process:

Be clear about the role - Is it fully remote, hybrid, or tied to specific time zones? Being clear saves everyone time and sets the right expectations.

Use the right tools - Virtual recruitment tools like video interviews and skills tests create a smooth and professional candidate experience.

Test for fit - Skills matter, but so does culture. Use interviews to find out how candidates collaborate, communicate, and solve problems in a remote setting.

Make adjustments - Make sure tests or presentations are remote-friendly so candidates have the best chance to shine.

Specialised job boards - Post roles on remote-specific platforms like Remote OK, We Work Remotely, or FlexJobs – all great places to reach top remote talent.

Social media - Don’t underestimate the power of platforms like LinkedIn, X, BlueSky, or even Reddit for targeting remote workers, particularly in tech and niche communities.

Tips for onboarding remote employees

Onboarding sets the tone for your employees’ experience, especially when they’re remote. Here’s how to make it count:

1. Make a plan

Start with a clear, detailed onboarding plan covering everything from virtual training sessions to scheduled check-ins to help new team members settle in smoothly.

2. Send a welcome pack

Add a personal touch with a tailored welcome pack, including essential documents, a company handbook (if you’ve got one), and some branded items to make them feel appreciated.

3. Set clear expectations

Be upfront about workflows, communication norms, and key goals so people know exactly what’s expected of them.

4. Provide the right tools

Equip your team with the tools they need to communicate and collaborate effectively.

5. Build connections

Use virtual icebreakers, team chats, or a buddy system so new starters feel part of the team, even at a distance.

6. Make training accessible

Provide remote-friendly training opportunities so employees can continually develop their skills and grow their careers.

7. Stay in touch

Regular 1-2-1 check-ins show your team they’re supported and valued. It’s a small effort that can have a big impact on engagement and retention.

8. Celebrate small wins

Acknowledge achievements like completing training or hitting a first milestone. Tie these into regular feedback to highlight what’s going well and identify areas for growth.

Building a strong remote culture

Creating a thriving, inclusive culture can bring out the best in your team. Working remotely isn’t just about flexibility. It’s how you find exceptional candidates, fill tough roles, build high-performing diverse teams, and give your business the edge, no matter where your team is.