Hasn’t the way we work changed a lot in recent years? The global pandemic really pushed us toward remote working. Now, companies are split on how to proceed.

Some are eager to have everyone back in the office, while others prefer to maintain a flexible approach. If you’re unsure what’s best for your business, it might be time to consider the overall situation: What’s effective, what isn’t, and what should you monitor?

Let’s be honest, remote working has its advantages. There’s no commute, fewer distractions, and the opportunity to tackle laundry during breaks. For many employees, this setup can enhance productivity, improve work-life balance, and lessen stress.

However, remote working isn’t just about keeping employees happy.

Companies that insist on bringing staff back to the office full-time risk losing valuable talent. A recent study showed that firms with strict Return to Office rules experienced a 14% increase in employee turnover, particularly among senior and skilled workers—those who are hard to replace.

Additionally, recruiting new talent is taking longer—23% longer according to the report—and hiring replacements can be costly. Today’s workforce values flexibility, and businesses that offer remote or hybrid positions have a competitive edge in recruitment.

The challenge arises when it comes to data security. While working from home or a café may seem appealing, public Wi-Fi can expose your company to cyber threats.

Your business data is also vulnerable if employees use personal devices that may not be updated or share home computers with family members.

The good news is there are straightforward ways to safeguard your business while allowing flexible working.

Implementing additional security measures like multi-factor authentication (that extra code you enter when logging in) can enhance protection. Plus, providing training on how to recognise email scams can significantly help.

So, should you have your employees return to the office or support remote working? There’s no single answer.

Some companies flourish with everyone on-site, while others benefit from giving employees options. The key is discovering what works best for your team.

Just keep in mind: If you allow remote working, prioritise security. A flexible policy combined with strong safeguards can lead to satisfied employees and a secure business.

If you need guidance on protecting your business data while accommodating flexible working arrangements, feel free to reach out to us.