In the final part of our month-long campaign where we’ve shared our thoughts on a range of topics to help firms solve their hiring crisis in the month of May, we’re exploring the benefits of remote working and why a lingering fear of change within accountancy practice is preventing firms from taking full advantage of this modern way of working.
The shift towards remote working as a result of the pandemic has become the norm, with many companies adapting to more flexible working arrangements. Whilst a fully remote role is a great perk for staff, offering a better work/life balance for example, there are many ways companies can greatly benefit as well.
Whilst the majority of firms adopt a forward-thinking approach, some are still resisting change with potentially outdated approaches to client relations, people management, and team dynamics. Is your firm reluctant to embrace remote working? You could reap more rewards than you might think…
Here are just some of the key advantages of remote working for companies:
- Access to a wider talent pool: Recruiting remote workers will allow your firm to hire employees from anywhere in the country, giving you access to a diverse and highly skilled talent pool. During the unprecedented skills shortage impacting public practice, it’s more important now than ever before to widen your candidate search to strengthen your shortlist.
- Make big savings on overheads: A remote working team can significantly reduce operational costs for your firm. Think office space and utilities… As a general rule of thumb, it’s advised that companies should spend 5% to 10% of their gross sales per foot on rent. Add in things like bills, office supplies, and commuting allowances, and this figure becomes a significant amount of money that could be greatly reduced by working remotely.
- Enhanced working hours: With the rise of remote working came an increased acceptance of flexible working times, typically around core hours. Whilst the main benefit of flexible working might seem to favour staff, giving them a better work/life balance, your firm can also benefit hugely. With some staff starting earlier and some finishing later, a wider window of time could be covered, enhancing the working day and offering more ‘open’ hours to clients.
- Better business continuity: If the pandemic taught us anything, it’s to expect the unexpected. A remote working team offers greater resilience in the face of unforeseen events, putting in place modern ways of working to ensure everything remains business as usual during challenging times.
- Greater support for clients: Whilst you might think remote working restricts the ability to build strong client relationships through face-to-face meetings, by embracing technology with a remote working team you can be on hand to support your clients more readily and conveniently. Whilst in-person meetings have many benefits, video calls are a great way to save on travel time and costs and are often easier to schedule into busy diaries.
Is your firm falling behind the rest when it comes to recruitment? Rather than fearing change, look to take advantage of remote working to strengthen your team.
Have you explored the other parts of our Solve Your Hiring Crisis campaign? Check out the links below to learn more ways to combat the hiring crisis and recruit for a stronger team.
Intro: It’s time to shake up accountancy practice
Solve Your Hiring Crisis – Part 1 – Unconscious Bias
Solve Your Hiring Crisis – Part 2 – Better Understanding Your Team
Solve Your Hiring Crisis – Part 3 – Access Talent From Overseas
As always, the team here at Public Practice Recruitment Ltd is on hand to support your firm with its recruitment needs – whether you have vacancies that need filling or you’d benefit from expert advice on what’s the best direction for your firm. We’re just a call or email away, so contact us today to take a step towards solving your hiring crisis!
