Dive Brief:
- FlexJobs’ annual 100 Top Companies with Remote Jobs shows that hiring remote workers is a business strategy, not just a perk to make workers happy.
- In interviews with leaders of the top companies, the job-board firm cited cost-efficiency, productivity, diversity and retention as major reasons companies hire remote workers. The top eight companies for 2017 are Dell, Intuit, Hilton, Cigna, FlexProfessionals, IT Pros, ADP and Cactus Communications.
- FlexJobs says from 2015 to 2016, listings for remote jobs grew 11%. Listings grew 52% during the past two years. The criteria are that “remote friendly” companies’ job openings include some type of telecommuting or work-at-home opportunities.
Dive Insight:
Hiring independent contractors, temporary workers or freelancers shouldn’t be confused with hiring remote workers. Remote workers can be full- or part-time employees, with healthcare coverage, retirement plans and other perquisites reserved for payroll staff.
Hiring remote workers can be a wise business strategy. It gives employers an edge in attracting job candidates who value flexibility, retaining workers with personal and family responsibilities and hiring a more diverse staff. Hiring remote staff also allows employers to focus on profitability, growth and sustainability, as IT Pros’ CEO said, rather than office space, parking availability and dress codes.
Many organizations, even legacy operations, have begun to recognize this new reality by making their office spaces into shareable, communal spaces that give employees an option to come in to work, rather than making going to the office mandatory.
