Working from home is more commonplace than ever. Even before the COVID-19 epidemic was discovered, many employees chose to work from home on a regular basis.
Whatever the reason working from home could provide some amazing benefits. Here are five reasons to make you think about giving it a a try:.
1. No need to commute
Working from home offers numerous benefits such as the ability to cut down on the daily commute. Some employees spend as much as an hour each day traveling. Eliminating this time can allow workers to sleep in earlier, work out more or complete running errands. It also helps save on fuel expenses and also reduces the company's environmental impact.
The company should give their remote employees the tools they need to work efficiently and assist them in creating a comfortable work space, including training on how to create distraction-free environments. There are a few concerns about this, however, and companies need to be aware that working from home is not always a good fit for people who are introverts, and may find the lack of social interaction difficult or dismotivating.
Additionally, some jobs may require physical collaboration to work effectively and businesses must be clear about their expectations. They should also consider whether remote work could result in confidentiality issues, such as a neighbor hearing a confidential conversation and observing sensitive files on a computer.
WFH also allows companies to recruit workers from a variety of places. This helps diversify the workforce and help create an inclusive and diverse culture. It can also increase the access to talent from small towns and rural communities in which online job vacancies work from home opportunities are limited. This can also result in a rise in isolation and disengagement when employees aren't making an effort to connect with colleagues via video calls, online work emails or chat platforms. To combat this, you should encourage employees to change their work-from home location on a regular schedule or use their break time to do activities that they enjoy in order to stimulate their imagination.
2. More Free Time
You can choose when to work online part time from your home. For instance, if you want to take a month off in the summer to go whitewater kayaking in Patagonia you can do it. If you're working on an enormous project and you want to work late into the night or over the weekend.
However, all this flexibility can lead to overworking and burnout. Make sure you have a dedicated work space to ensure you stay focused and productive. It's also important to log off after you've finished your work to allow you to enjoy your evenings and weekends.
Another benefit of working from home is that it allows you to online work longer hours without worrying about extending your vacation time or missing other opportunities. You can also save on travel expenses and work from home, which includes costs related to the internet or utilities.
These benefits are far greater than the challenges that many workers have to face when working from home in the event of a pandemic. The biggest challenge faced by those who work from home all or most of the time is working without interruptions (38 percent of people aged 18-49 against. 18 percent of those 50 or older). The smallest workers are the most likely to state that a lack of motivation is limiting their ability to work at home (42% vs. 20 percent). People who work remotely and online work trust their employers, however, are generally satisfied with their arrangements.
3. Less Stress
If you work from home, you can manage your environment more effectively. This means less physical and mental stress which could lead to better health and greater productivity at work. In a study conducted by OECD managers and employees rated remote work very positively for their performance and well-being. Benefits included less commute time and a more personalized workspace.
It's a great way to reduce stress, as it eliminates the need to commute. This can be a problem with traffic gridlock as well as delays on trains and other issues. It could save employees time, money and the inconveniences of public transportation, particularly if they live in rural areas with limited access to public transport.
Ergotron conducted research that revealed that allowing employees the flexibility to work from home may help them develop healthier exercise habits. Employees can get in daily walks, jogs, and other activities without requiring the commute time. A Staples study discovered that 73% of employees reported eating healthier after transitioning to working at home.
Setting boundaries is another key element in reducing stress when working at home. If you fail to maintain a balance between work and personal life, it can be easy to burn out and overwork while working remotely. It's crucial to set clear boundaries with your family and colleagues particularly if they're not familiar with you being home all day. To achieve this, you can make use of awareness apps or time-blocking rules.
When it comes to reducing your stress level when working from home, you can get more done when you concentrate on the tasks you believe are the most important. You'll feel more productive and motivated at work if you take the time to concentrate on these tasks.
4. Flexibility
Flexible work can be different to different people however, in general it means allowing employees to change their working hours around based on their personal needs. It can be done remotely, from home or a combination. It's usually a preferred option for parents, those who reside far from work or those who struggle to live an appropriate balance in their lives. It's a good option for those who suffer from health issues that make travel difficult.
The ability to work at home and have flexibility is not only beneficial to employee wellbeing but also helps companies grow. Employees are happier by 22% when they work remotely. This is partly due to a better work-life balance and less stress. Additionally, remote employees are 56% less likely to take sick days, which can help lower costs for the business.
One of the challenges with flexible working is ensuring that it improves productivity. It is easy to get caught in the trap of being distracted by chores, family members or other distractions when you are at home. That's why it is important to establish clear boundaries and set up the space that allows you to concentrate. Flexible schedules can require more discipline for some people, but by sticking to a routine and being organized for the day, you'll be able achieve your goals or meet deadlines.
Leaders should not just pay lip service to flexible working and instead show the way by promoting its benefits to all employees within their company. It can be difficult for staff members in junior positions to ask for flexible working hours or to use them.
5. Better Health
The stressors of working in an office - the endless commute, fluorescent lights, colleagues always 'on', and distractions that are difficult to manage - can be reduced or eliminated through remote work. This can result in happier employees who are healthier and more productive and motivated to work well.
For instance working from home eliminates the need to battle traffic and crowds on the way to work or to take time to eat lunch. Instead workers can eat healthy food that they've prepared by themselves and get more exercise.
In fact, a study conducted by the OECD in the years 2020-2021 showed that when working from home is done right, it can lead to an increase in productivity of employees. This is because working from home allows for the better separation between professional and personal tasks. Additionally, there are fewer distractions and more focus on the work activities.
When working at home, it's also much easier to take frequent breaks throughout the day. This helps keep the body in a state of vigor, productive and helps to prevent health issues that can last for a long time. It allows staff to concentrate on the task at hand rather than be distracted by other activities such as chores or household tasks.
Working from home is an excellent option for many people. It lets them save money, be more productive, and enjoy a better quality of life. It is important that employers create a positive workplace that allows their employees to thrive. This means creating a designated space, setting boundaries with household members, and encouraging regular team gatherings. In addition, it is important to remind employees of the importance of maintaining an active lifestyle while working from home.
