According to a Balboa Capital survey, eight in 10 small businesses are embracing remote work models. Additionally, business leaders whose companies have remote workers reported improved business outcomes, increased employee engagement and reduced overhead costs.

Balboa Capital surveyed business owners to find out how many companies switched to remote work models due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and to see how effective the results have been. The survey was sent to a sample of small business owners in a variety of industries during the first two weeks of July 2020.

“According to our latest survey, remote work is on the rise due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and it is benefitting small business owners nationwide,” Kevin Umeda, manager of sales planning and coordination at Balboa Capita, saidl. “Eighty-two percent of small businesses now have remote workforces, up from 51 percent in March 2020, and employers and employees are learning how to make this operational structure a success. For example, a majority of business owners said the shift to remote work has resulted in more employee productivity, happier workers and improved customer service. Moreover, companies are realizing the financial benefits of a remote workforce. Sixty-percent of business owners said it has dramatically reduced their cost savings, as office space, parking, utilities, perks and other expenses have been reduced or eliminated.”

Survey Takeaways

• 51% of small businesses had remote workers before the COVID-19 pandemic.
• 82% of small businesses embraced remote work models when the COVID-19 pandemic started.
• More than half (55%) of small business owners said that all of their employees are working remotely.
• Nine in 10 small business owners plan to allow remote work when the COVID-19 pandemic subsides or is no longer a concern.
• 65% of small business owners said that overall productivity and operational output have increased as a result of working remotely.
• Six in 10 small business owners said that shifting to remote work has decreased their overhead costs.
• Four in 10 small business owners said that working remotely has positively impacted customer service.
• 60% of small business owners said their remote employees are happier, more engaged and performing at a higher level than they did in a traditional office setting.
• 55% of small business owners invested in technology prior to shifting to a remote work model. Computers and laptops topped the list of purchased items, followed by Wi-Fi equipment, printers, video conferencing software and web cameras.
• When asked how they are keeping their employees connected while working remotely, 45% said weekly and/or monthly video meetings and 40% said phone calls and/or group chat sessions.
• 12% of small business owners implemented online activities and team-building games for their remote workers.