Working remotely (or telecommuting) is a flexible work arrangement that allows employees to complete their job outside of the office. It is facilitated by internet access, collaborative software, cloud computing, videoconferencing and mobile telecommunications technology.
For employees, remote work can cut overhead and commute costs, provide flexibility and improve work-life balance. However, it is not without its challenges.
Less Stress
Oftentimes, working remotely means you don’t have to worry about commuting during rush hour or wake up at the crack of dawn for an early meeting. In the long run, this saves wear and tear on your vehicle, reduces money spent on gas and can eliminate temptation to spend extra on lunches or coffee.
While the lack of distractions can be beneficial, it also brings its own set of challenges. Many remote employees find it difficult to separate work and home life. This can be exacerbated by a lack of regular face-to-face meetings and coworkers to interact with. However, many companies have found that utilizing a virtual team can help them avoid the potential for distractions and isolation by establishing clear communication channels, like video calls or chat platforms.
One major concern with remote work is the fear that it leads to burnout and disengagement. But Cisco’s 2022 study found that fully remote workers were more satisfied with their work-life balance than those who worked in an office. In addition, a survey from mental health website Tracking Happiness revealed that full-time remote workers had higher satisfaction levels than those in hybrid and office-centric roles.
Aside from reducing stress and improving overall wellbeing, working remotely can also boost your physical health. When you don’t have to commute, you can leave the house more often and get more exercise. Getting outside can also help improve your mood by providing some fresh air and decreasing stress. Many people find that they sleep better when they don’t have to wake up and go to an office every day, too. This can be a great benefit for people with chronic health conditions.
Better Health
During the COVID-19 pandemic, working from home was mandatory in many offices. While some doomsayers warned that this would lead to negative health effects, employees found that working from home actually improved their wellness in a number of ways. In fact, they reported that it reduced stress levels by removing the commuting time, eliminating distractions (such as noisy coffee shops or children’s tv), allowing them to use ergonomic office furniture, keeping them out of the office politics, and giving them a quieter work space.
Additionally, the flexibility of remote work allows them to work during their peak energy times – which can vary by person. The average commuting time in the US is 27 minutes each way, which means that workers can save this valuable time to focus on exercise, sleep, or other personal activities.
As a bonus, working remotely allows them to spend more time with family and friends, and to be available for any other responsibilities they may have during the day. This leads to better work-life balance, which is a key driver of employee happiness.
Having the ability to work from home also helps reduce environmental impact. This is because it eliminates the need to drive or take public transport to the office, which cuts down on greenhouse gas emissions. Additionally, it can help to eliminate the waste created by paper and other office supplies.
While some of the above benefits are a direct result of the COVID-19 lockdown, it’s important to note that WFH has long been associated with health and job satisfaction. Research has found that the factors that influence these results include functional technology, a high degree of autonomy, and social interactions at work.
More Flexibility
Working from home offers the flexibility for employees to choose where and when they work. They can work from the comfort of their own homes, quaint coffee shops, or even a different country as long as they have good Wi-Fi and the right technology. This gives business owners a much wider pool of talent to hire from as they don’t need to limit themselves to the local area which may save on relocation costs and helps them to find staff with specialized skills.
Moreover, employees that have the option to work from home are also more likely to feel more connected to their co-workers than those that only go into the office on a regular basis. Remote workers can attend virtual team lunches and other social events that allow them to meet and connect with the rest of their teams in a way they would never be able to do in person.
Time Flexibility
Many professionals that have the option to work remotely choose flexible hours over a pay increase. This is because they value the flexibility to structure their work around their personal lives and peak productivity times. This also makes it easier for them to deal with unexpected interruptions like family emergencies or personal health issues.
However, it’s important for companies to be clear about the responsibilities that come with the flexibility to work from home and to ensure that they have the proper systems in place to manage this work environment. It is also important that they communicate regularly with their remote employees and provide them with the tools to make sure that all of their tasks are getting done properly and on time.
Increased Productivity
The COVID-19 pandemic catalyzed workplace flexibility in many organizations, even those that had never considered allowing employees to work from home. Many managers re-considered their long-held reservations, but the jury is still out on whether this shift will last once the pandemic ends and people return to their offices.
Many people find they are more productive when working remotely. The lack of distractions, such as socializing with colleagues, helps them focus on their work. Moreover, meeting virtually allows them to take notes during meetings so they can go back and review what was discussed. This way, if they don’t catch all the information during a meeting, they can ask colleagues later on to fill in the gaps in their understanding.
Another benefit is that remote work reduces the need for commute time, which can be particularly beneficial for people with children or elderly parents. It can also save on office expenses, such as rent and utilities, and it can cut travel costs.
In addition, working from home allows people to cut out the expense of going to coffee shops and restaurants, which can add up over the course of a week. In fact, the average full-time worker can save $12,000 per year with remote work, according to Flexjobs.
It’s important for people to stay in touch with their bosses when they work from home to show them that they are engaged and committed to the company. People can do this by regularly sending their manager a quick update or asking questions about projects they’re working on. They can also make sure they have the right technology to be able to communicate effectively, such as two monitors, wireless headphones and a good internet connection.
Better Work-Life Balance
The ability to work from home helps workers to better balance their time and focus between professional and personal life. Working from home can reduce the amount of time employees spend commuting, which in turn can cut down on stress and boost overall productivity. It can also make it easier to take care of other obligations, such as childcare or chores around the house.
Remote work can also help employees save money on transportation costs, which can add up over the long term. This can be a big benefit for employees who live far from the office and may struggle to afford a costly commute. It can also be helpful for those who are unable to drive, as it allows them to still have access to work.
In addition, working from home can cut down on the environmental impact of commuting. By eliminating the need for people to travel to the office, it can reduce carbon emissions and traffic congestion. This can be especially beneficial for those who live in rural areas where commuting can be difficult.
In fact, one of the biggest reasons for the popularity of remote work is because it can improve work-life balance and create a happier, healthier workplace. It can also open up employment opportunities for people who might not have been able to find a job within commuting distance, such as those with disabilities, caregivers, or stay-at-home parents. This diversity can improve team collaboration and innovation, as well as give companies a broader perspective on their customers and the world. It can even reduce turnover, as employees are more likely to stay at a company that trusts them to work remotely.