There are many advantages to allowing employees to work remotely while still maintaining close contact with their supervisors and colleagues. On the other hand, some argue that going back to the office every day has its benefits. Let’s check out some of the key advantages of employees working from home.
No more commute time
Whether you drive or take public transportation, commuting often takes up a considerable amount of your day. But if you can cut out the commute, it’s free time for you to spend doing things that matter most to you. If you have flexible hours, you can also use this as an opportunity to squeeze in exercise or catch up on household chores.
Save money
If you’re living paycheck-to-paycheck, cutting expenses is hard enough without having to find new ways to do it as well. One way to save money is by eliminating daily work trips. Instead of paying for gas and parking, consider using the extra gas money for entertainment or saving it toward a vacation.
Better Health
Working from home makes it easier to keep healthy habits, such as eating right and exercising regularly. You may be able to avoid fast food restaurants when you don’t have to travel far to get there. In addition, working at home allows you to control your environment and create a healthier one. For instance, you can turn down the heat during cold winter months rather than turning up the temperature in your car.
More productive employees
Employees who work remotely may be more productive since they tend to complete tasks sooner. It might not seem like much, but being more efficient could mean higher paychecks.
Lower costs
Going back to the office every morning can be expensive. You’ll need to make sure your company offers a flexible work schedule so you can cover missed days. Also, remember to factor in lost productivity by giving yourself an extra day off after each week-long absence.
Fewer sick days
Studies show that telecommuting workers are less likely to miss work due to illness. This means fewer days away from work, which translates into lower costs for employers.
Less stress
One study found that telecommuters reported less stress than those who worked in an office setting. Telecommuting might help reduce job dissatisfaction and turnover because it lets employees focus on what matters most: family life and personal interests.
Improved relationships
A 2010 survey conducted by FlexJobs.com found that 76% of respondents said that telecommuting helped improve employee morale and teamwork while 75% of respondents expressed more loyalty to their current employer.
Boosts creativity
A separate survey showed that nearly half of all U.S. adults (46%) were more creative when they worked from home. The same number felt more motivated and engaged in their jobs when they worked from home compared to working in an office.
Increased productivity and efficiency
Employees who work from home are typically better organized and disciplined. They’re also more focused and productive compared to workers who must physically go to work.
Easier access to technology
The Internet provides flexibility for people who want to work from anywhere. Employers may offer computers, tablets, and smartphones so employees can collaborate with coworkers and stay connected with clients.
No longer confined to a specific time zone
It’s easy to become tired and distracted when you’re stuck in a 9-to-5 office routine. With remote workers, you can take breaks whenever necessary. You can even opt out of meetings if you’d prefer to spend time doing something else.
Control over your hours
As mentioned earlier, many companies offer flexible schedules so you can choose how to spend your time. These options include taking more time off, working part-time, or working at night. If you’re happy with your current position, you may be able to negotiate other perks, such as flextime or allowing you to work from home.
More diverse workforce
An online survey of 1,500 telecommuters found that two-thirds of them were women — a figure that was three times greater than the national average. Additionally, 61% of these workers were between 25 and 44 years old, whereas just 26% were under 24.
Better prospects for advancement
Telecommuting positions are often considered “exempt” from traditional office rules since they don’t require professional attire or face-to-face interactions. As a result, some managers allow telecommuters to skip interviews and apply for promotions without having to travel.