The rise of flexible employment strategies can diminish the need for workers to reside close to their jobs. According to the People at Work survey from ADP Research Institute®, approximately 28% of employees believe that it will become standard in their field to work from any location globally within the next five years. This shift presents various advantages and obstacles for recruiters, as they need to adjust to recruiting remote workers to stay ahead in the competitive landscape.
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Why hire remote workers: The benefits of hiring remotely
The People at Work survey shows that 16% of employees highlight the significance of job flexibility, particularly in terms of their workplace location. By accommodating the preference for remote work, businesses can broaden their recruitment horizons from a local to a global scale, enhance their chances of creating diverse teams, discover unique talent, and fill vacancies swiftly. Moreover, employing remote workers can lead to a decrease in fixed costs such as rental and utility expenses, which typically rise when employees work on the premises.
Common remote jobs to hire
Depending on the specific sector, remote work may not be suitable for all businesses. Positions within manufacturing, construction, and retail often require employees to be physically present. Conversely, certain jobs, such as writers and editors, graphic designers, and software support specialists, are more conducive to remote work.
Where to find remote workers
People looking for remote employment opportunities might use different methods to find jobs compared to individuals seeking on-site positions. Employers aiming to attract such candidates might need to advertise their vacancies on job platforms dedicated to remote and freelance work. They could also employ conventional hiring strategies, such as leveraging employee recommendations and engaging staffing firms.
How to hire remote workers
Conducting background checks requires careful attention to compliance. The following steps outline how prudent employers typically evaluate potential hires:
- Identify desired qualities in candidates
For remote roles, it's important to find individuals who can work autonomously and have limited direct contact with colleagues. Candidates who excel in self-discipline, written communication, tech-savviness, and problem-solving tend to thrive in such environments. - Create a fitting job posting
Advertisements for remote positions should highlight the aspect of flexibility, which is highly valued by telecommuters. - Look for suitable candidates
Specialized online platforms focus on remote job listings. Using these can be an effective way to attract qualified applicants. - Screen resumes
Employers often seek out individuals with a history of remote work or those who have entrepreneurial or freelance experience, as these candidates are likely to adapt well to remote working conditions. - Conduct interviews
Video conferencing is a popular choice for interviewing remote job applicants. They allow for an assessment of their communication skills and technical readiness for remote work. Employers might also include a practical task in the interview process to gauge candidates' abilities further. - Proceed with hiring
The process of hiring a remote employee mirrors that of an in-person hire, with the exception that the onboarding process is conducted online. Employers should ensure that all training resources, documents for new hires, introductory videos, and company policies are readily accessible in digital format.
Considerations when hiring remote workers
Remote employees in various locations might not always be acquainted with a company's brand. As a result, it becomes essential for employers to develop a compelling value proposition targeted at telecommuters. This could include highlighting the number of remote workers within the company or the strategies implemented to maintain engagement among virtual teams. Incorporating such information into job listings might attract interested and qualified applicants.
Remote work hiring tips
Employers who are navigating the process of hiring remote workers for the first time or are uncertain about a potential hire can find the following tips on remote recruitment useful:
- Fostering team relationships is crucial for employers to ensure that remote employees feel integrated into the team, despite not physically working together.
- Clearly defining remote work expectations, such as work hours, response time, etc., can help ensure a mutual understanding between employers and their remote employees.
Frequently asked questions
Do remote workers receive higher or lower salaries?
Remote employees might earn above or below the standard market rate, depending on their geographical location and the compensation strategy of the company they work for. Certain businesses compensate remote staff based solely on their qualifications and experience, whereas others adjust salaries based on the living costs in the employee's location.
What is the optimal method for compensating remote workers?
Most workers, regardless of being remote or in-office, prefer receiving their pay via direct deposit. Nevertheless, it's important to note that some areas have specific regulations regarding electronic payments that employers need to adhere to.
Learn More
Are you looking for an easy way to hire remote employees? You can benefit from ADP’s talent management solutions by getting help with recruitment, onboarding, and much more!
Talk to us about your hiring goals, and we’ll walk you through our solutions — including how companies like yours use them. Call 866-622-8153 or start a quote.
This guide is intended to be used as a starting point in analyzing hiring remote employees and is not a comprehensive resource of requirements. It offers practical information concerning the subject matter and is provided with the understanding that ADP is not rendering legal or tax advice or other professional services.
