In 2017 working from home or having a “virtual career” is more common than it was even 10 years ago. More companies are allowing this flexible job adaptation due to new technology, work productivity, and employee management.

When it comes to new technology, the world is only getting started. There are web based meeting rooms such as Zoom that allow video or audio chats with employees and bosses. This removes the standard conference room meetings that keep employees in the office. Apps such as Trello, allow you to create work boards and manage projects all on line and with others. Dropbox allows access to share and download documents and folders such as large files or collaborative work. This removes the need to have in house employees full time.

Remote work can increase the productivity of your employees. Without water cooler gossip and office chatter, employees can focus on the job at hand without interruptions that would normally happen in the workplace. While all of this depends on the type of work being done, there are positives to be had when working from home.

Employee morale and stress levels improve when working their virtual career. In a study by PGI, 82% of remote workers felt their stress was lower than working in the office environment. In the same study, 80% reported higher morale. Not only does virtual work make life a bit easier for the employee, but it helps out the company as well.

In a study done by Stanford University, remote work reduced employee turnover. “Job attrition rates fell by over 50 percent.” Not only do companies lower their turnover rate, remote work lowers real estate and overhead costs. Forbes reported that Aetna has over half of their staff work remotely and they save 2.7 million square feet of office space, resulting in $78 Million dollars’ worth of space.

With more technology being produced, virtual career options will skyrocket.