What if you are in one of the remote friendly industries but your business wants an on-site workforce?
You Want Your Work Force in the Office:
Let’s face it, the remote work revolution is real. But what if it doesn’t quite fit your company’s vision? Maybe fostering in-person collaboration, team spirit, and a vibrant company culture are core values for your business. Perhaps the nature of your work in a remote-heavy industry simply demands some on-site presence. The good news? You’re not alone. Many businesses, even in remote-centric sectors, thrive with on-site or hybrid work models.
The challenge, however, becomes retaining and attracting top talent in an industry where flexibility reigns supreme. Here’s the key takeaway: Just because your industry leans remote, doesn’t mean you can’t build a successful on-site or hybrid team. This post identifies those industries that have really embraced a remote work environment – are you in one of those industries? We then offer strategies and perks you can leverage to make your company attractive to current and future employees, even if your model requires them to be in the office.
Remote Heavy Industries:
Here are the top twelve industries or employment sectors that are still very much embracing a remote work model:
- Computer and IT: Jobs in this field are well-suited for remote work because most of the work can be done on a computer with an internet connection. Tasks like software development, web development, and network administration can all be done remotely.
- Management & Consulting: Many consulting firms have found that remote work can actually improve their efficiency and productivity. Consultants can meet with clients virtually and collaborate on projects from anywhere in the world.
- Media & Communication: The media and communication industry has been one of the biggest beneficiaries of remote work. Jobs like writing, editing, and graphic design can all be done remotely, and many media companies have found that they can attract a wider range of talent by allowing employees to work from home.
- Marketing: Many marketing jobs can be done remotely, such as content marketing, social media marketing, and email marketing. This allows marketing teams to be more flexible and to tap into a wider pool of talent.
- Accounting and Finance: Many accounting and finance jobs can be done remotely, such as bookkeeping, tax preparation, and financial analysis. This allows accounting and finance firms to save on office space and to attract a wider range of talent.
- Project Management: Project management is a field that is well-suited for remote work. Project managers can use video conferencing and other collaboration tools to stay connected with their team members, regardless of location.
- Customer Service: Many customer service jobs can be done remotely, such as answering phone calls, responding to emails, and providing live chat support. This allows customer service teams to be more flexible and to tap into a wider pool of talent.
- Human Resources (HR) and Recruiting: Many HR and recruiting tasks can be done remotely, such as screening resumes, conducting interviews, and onboarding new employees. This allows HR and recruiting teams to be more efficient and to tap into a wider pool of talent.
- Sales: While some sales jobs require face-to-face interaction, many sales jobs can be done remotely. Sales reps can use video conferencing and other tools to connect with clients and close deals.
- Education and Training: The education and training industry has seen a significant increase in remote work in recent years. Many trainers and educators are now offering online courses and webinars.
- Healthcare: Telehealth has become increasingly popular in recent years, and this trend is likely to continue. Telehealth allows healthcare providers to meet with patients virtually, which can save patients time and money. There are also a growing number of administrative and support jobs in healthcare that can be done remotely.
- Legal: Law firms are increasingly finding that remote work can be beneficial. Lawyers can use video conferencing and other tools to meet with clients and collaborate on cases. Remote work can also help law firms to attract and retain top talent.
This list is not exhaustive, but it does represent some of the industries that are the most likely to continue to embrace remote work in the future. As technology continues to advance, it is likely that even more jobs will become suitable for remote work. What can you do if you want your folks in the office, at least part of the time?
Sweetening the Deal: Perks to Attract an On-Site Workforce
Don’t worry, there are still ways to attract and retain top talent in a remote competitive landscape. Here’s how to entice employees who crave the freedom of remote work, even if your business leans more hybrid (a work arrangement that combines on-site and remote work) or fully on-site presence.
1. Compensation:
Remember, competitive salaries are still a major draw. Regularly assess market rates and ensure your compensation packages are attractive.
2. Invest in a Stellar On-site Workspace:
Make your office a destination employees actually want to come to. Consider ergonomic furniture, collaborative spaces, and on-site amenities like day care, fitness centers or healthy cafeterias. Consider parking and/or commuting perks.
3. Prioritize Well-being:
Offer comprehensive health insurance plans, on-site wellness programs like yoga or meditation classes, and generous paid time off to avoid burnout.
4. Champion On-site Camaraderie:
Create a vibrant office environment that fosters collaboration and camaraderie. Encourage team lunches or even after-work game nights. This fosters a strong sense of community that’s unique to an on-site work experience. Highlight the power of friendly connections in the office! A close-knit work community can significantly boost employee well-being. A well-known study by Gallup found that employees with a best friend at work are not only twice as likely to be engaged in their jobs, but also experience lower stress levels and higher overall well-being. These friendships provide a sense of belonging, support, and shared experiences, which can make even challenging workdays more manageable.
5. Focus on Innovation Through Collaboration:
Research shows that in-person interaction can be crucial for brainstorming, problem-solving, and building team rapport. Highlight how on-site work fosters these aspects crucial for innovation and business growth.
6. Be a Professional Development Powerhouse:
Invest in your employees’ growth by offering tuition reimbursement, access to online courses and conferences, or mentorship programs. Some employees really value mentorship and on-the-job learning. Promote theses benefits of on-site work for easier access to senior colleagues and spontaneous learning opportunities that might be less available remotely.
7. Focus on Work-Life Balance:
- Consider a compressed work week where employees work longer hours but fewer days, allowing for more personal time while still maintaining in-office interaction.
- Provide some level of flexibility within an on-site model. This could allow employees to adjust their start and end times to accommodate personal needs or traffic while still meeting core collaboration hours in the office.
By offering these perks and fostering a positive work environment, you can position your company as an attractive on-site option in a remote-heavy job market.
Conclusion: Being an On-site Workforce Can be a Positive
The future of work may be flexible, but that doesn’t mean on-site and hybrid models are relics of the past. By strategically implementing the perks and strategies outlined here, you can create a work environment that fosters collaboration, innovation, and employee well-being – even with an on-site focus. Remember, the key lies in understanding your industry’s needs while offering a compelling value proposition that caters to both the professional aspirations and personal lives of your team. Adopt and highlight these perks and strategies in your recruiting efforts, and watch your employee retention and hiring flourish!
Resources to Read More:
Increased Collaboration Opportunities
Working in the Office Facilitates Access to Resources and Infrastructure