Remote working 'can benefit employer and employee'

With remote working becoming increasingly widespread, a new report has examined the challenges it presents for managers and employees - and how these can be overcome to bring benefits to both.

According to Director of Finance (DOF), remote working can help to attract the top talent to finance, accountancy and marketing jobs, as well as many other professions.

And while the flexibility acts as an incentive for employees, the organisation saves on resources such as office space and hardware use.

However, if remote working arrangements are not properly thought-out by employers and employees beforehand, they can become troublesome for both sides.

The key to effective remote working, the site said, is to clearly define its role and how the relationship between remote worker and office-based manager will work.

By defining expectations, agreeing standards and using the latest technology, remote working can give managers and staff "more choice about how they work and where they work", the site said.

According to a survey from City & Guilds and the Institute of Leadership & Management, 75 per cent of managers believe remote workers are more productive.