Hiring remote workers might (or might not) pay off

Here are some pros and cons of hiring remote employees, along with tips on making it work.

PROS: COST SAVINGS, FLEXIBILITY

Businesses that are fully remote don’t need to pay rent and other expenses that come with a physical space.

Joe Scott, owner of Vault Cargo Management, says he always intended to have a remote team because of the flexibility. Lower overhead has been a bonus: Moving his six employees into an office in Green Bay, Wis., would likely cost $1,500 per month.

Your hiring isn’t limited by location. You can select from a larger talent pool and reach candidates with more diverse skills, knowledge and experience. Employees are also more engaged when they work remotely most of the time and benefit from improved technological support, according to the Gallup study.

CONS: LOSS OF CONNECTION

Forming relationships with and among fully remote employees can be harder than in a traditional office. Candidates should have the selfdiscipline and independence that’s required to work from home without being distracted.

HOW TO MAKE IT WORK

The main keys to success are hiring right the first time, building a culture of trust, and having technology and support that facilitate effective communication. — Nerdwallet