The amount of people who work remotely has been growing steadily for years, but the events caused by COVID-19 greatly sped up this shift.  According to Global Workplace Analytics the number of people who work from home has risen 159% since 2009. 

Employees were quick to embrace the remote work model due to the numerous benefits it provides such as avoiding commute, vehicle maintenance and childcare costs, improved mental-being and a better work-life balance. On average remote workers save around $7000 per year in transportation, food and childcare according to TECLA. 

Although many companies were less enthusiastic about moving to a remote work model, they have come to the realization that the benefits are not solely one sided. 

Company benefits include: 

• Average increase of $2000 in profit per worker for companies that allow remote work 
• Decrease in resignations in companies that allow remote work 
• Companies have experienced 25% lower employee turnover for companies that offer remote work 
• Productivity of employees working from home in 2020 increased by 32.2%
• 94% of employers believe the productivity of their employees increased or remained the same 

 Challenges Related to Remote Work Returns 

Despite the benefits of remote work there are also challenges that both employer and employee face. These include: 

• Managing projects 
• Remote collaboration 
• Tracking tasks and productivity 
• Working from different locations, time zones, etc. 
• Dealing with language and cultural differences 
• Maximizing productivity 
• Overcoming distractions 
• Staying motivated 
• Unplugging after work 

With the shift to remote work becoming ever more prevalent companies have had to tackle another issue in company equipment returns. Company equipment returns can be a time consuming and tricky process without a designated and well-defined plan in place for employees to follow.

ReadyReturns is the Solution 

Whether you need to resupply a field rep, upgrade or exchange their equipment or perform an offboarding procedure with a former employee, without a proper process in place company equipment can be damaged, misplaced or lost entirely. Employees can be left unsure of how to go about performing a return and motivating a former employee to make a return can be incredibly difficult.  

ReadyReturns is a software solution that creates a set procedure for company equipment returns that simplifies and streamlines the process. 

How Does it Work? 

Mobile QR Codes 

It all begins with QR codes. Your employee can use their mobile device to create a pay-on-use return shipping label or QR code making each equipment return predictable and reliable. 

• The software allows you to set specific requirements before a QR code is issued like images of the item being returned 
• Employees can create and the QR code on their smartphone and have it scanned at any UPS store creating a return label 
• Internal agents or administrators have the ability to issue QR codes and send them to employee’s company email automatically 
• Set requirements requiring up to three images of each item being sent before a QR code is issued. Images are saved and verified against the product that was received 

A standard ReadyReturns feature that can be activated without monthly minimums or start-up costs, QR codes make equipment returns hassle-free. 

Drop-offs Made Easy 

Even without a box or label ReadyReturns makes company equipment returns simple. Avoiding the extra time and costs associated with sending packaging materials, your employees can bring the loose item(s) to any UPS Store, have a label printed and the equipment professionally packaged. No matter where your employee may be with 5000 locations nationwide a UPS drop-off location is always nearby. 

ReadyReturns will ensure that you get the most out of drop-off convenience by providing:

• Box and no box options 
• No-label options using QR codes that inform the carrier of your company’s shipping rules and shipping specifications 
• Notifications that inform you of the progress of the return through the entire process using ActionAlerts 
• Know what the contents of the return is, who sent the package and when to expect it with monitoring that provides full reporting and accountability 

Front door Pick-up

Want to make returns even simpler than that? We can do it! Introducing: Front door pick-up returns 

Motivating an ex-employee to return company equipment can lead to a headache. Avoid the whole problem and have the equipment picked up by a driver no matter where they may be located. No boxes or labels necessary. Drivers are fully equipped to receive and professionally package loose items leading to a hassle-free exchange. 

Either you can use the ReadyReturns service portal to schedule a pick-up at the ex-employee’s location or offer a self-service portal that will require item images and enable them to choose a pick-up time frame that works best for them. 

Front door pick-up is a standard option with ReadyReturns and takes hassle-free equipment returns to the next level of ease. Ready to explore what ReadyReturns can do for business? Contact us to schedule a free consultation with one of our dedicated specialists today!