In recent years, the modern workforce has changed dramatically. The standard 9-5 is being ushered out, as companies welcome remote work.

It’s a win-win for both: employees get to save time and money by e-commuting, and companies don’t have to worry about maintaining huge office spaces. According to Tech Bullion, the remote work trend is predicted to grow even more. So if you’re thinking of introducing remote work into your company, here are a few more reasons why this might be a good idea.

Encourages working smarter, not harder

You might think that productivity equals hours of non-stop work, but taking quick breaks can actually do wonders for your creativity — even if it’s just a short walk or some stretches. Yorkshire illustrator Simon Whittacker says he likes to go for a walk whenever he’s in a creative rut. This can be hard to do when you’re constrained to an office environment, but not when you work remotely. You even have the luxury of spacing out your day as you wish. For instance, if you know that your energy dips in the afternoon, you can pause and continue your work at night instead.

Increases retention

Today’s highly competitive workforce means that applicants are now more selective with the companies they choose to work for, so allowing them the flexibility to work remotely may help retain employees. Remote work can also open up more opportunities for older employees who want to continue working but may be feeling burnt out. Additionally, it removes locational barriers from the equation.

Better work-life balance

Whether due to high-pressure environments or long work hours, some work cultures have become so toxic that employees would rather take a pay cut in exchange for a better quality of life. This phenomenon is even present in industries such as law. As such, Samantha Leonard’s article ‘3 Reasons Lawyers Will Take a 100k+ Paycut’ on Special Counsel, explains how law firms are now putting a focus on employees’ work-life balance, with many lawyers citing that this allows them to be more efficient at their jobs. Likewise, other companies should follow suit and realize that quality of life and fair pay can co-exist through methods such as remote work.

Gives your employees control

It’s safe to say that people like having a sense of control. After all, remote work is the ultimate sign of autonomy, as you trust your employees will finish their tasks without too much supervision. Since remote work is primarily based on output, employees have the freedom to structure their day however they want. They can also work in a way that suits them, whether it’s in their pajamas or sat in front of their laptop in a shirt and tie.

Fosters collaboration

Contrary to popular belief, remote working has plenty of opportunities for collaboration. In a study about remote work, Google found that some of the best remote teams manage to work together and finish tasks despite members working across different time zones. While people do value the freedom that remote work provides, most workers understand that this freedom can only work if communication lines are left open. Above all, it is this mutual understanding and transparency that makes remote work successful and possible.