The majority of small firms are aware of the benefits that remote working can bring, according to data released by remote access and support firm LogMeIn.

Over 60% of survey respondents said remote access actually increased productivity amongst their staff, and 54% of respondents think their staff's use of remote access services will increase over the next six months. Only 21% of small companies are worried about the productivity of their staff when working remotely.

Benefits of providing telecommuting options to employees:

Higher productivity and job satisfaction:
Recent studies show that telecommuters actually put in longer hours than their office counterparts, and experience higher levels of job satisfaction.

Companies with telecommuting programs have found it reduces absenteeism and helps increase employee retention

Retention up, costs down:
Companies with telecommuting programs have found it reduces absenteeism and helps increase employee retention, which decreases the costs of hiring and training new employees.

An edge over the competition:
Telecommuting offers the potential for 24/7 customer service and a wider geographic range of job candidates, leading to the top staffing and support levels that help you maintain a competitive advantage.

Healthier workers:
By allowing employees to work from home when they are under the weather, companies can avoid letting infections spread across the entire workplace and reduce the amount of sick leave taken by staff.

A better company image:
Establishing "green" policies and offering flexible and accommodating work schedules helps to increase employee morale and may even promote a positive brand perception. Innovative remote access solutions make it so easy and cost effective for you and your employees to be productive wherever you are, it may be time to consider offering telecommuting options. Now that the secret's out, get in on it.