Working from home has become an increasingly popular way of working. It offers numerous advantages for both employees and employers alike.
Working from home has its advantages, but it also has its drawbacks. One major difficulty that remote managers must contend with is monitoring employee productivity and performance.
Reduced commuting expenses
Working from home can be a cost-effective option for many employees. A recent survey revealed that employees who telecommuted spend an average of $4,000 less annually on commuting expenses than those who commute into the office.
The study revealed that e-workers can save on travel and housing expenses by working from home. Furthermore, e-working provides people with the freedom to relocate into more budget friendly areas.
Transportation-wise, working from home can help save fuel costs by taking public transportation such as buses or trains instead of driving yourself. Even if you must drive, shopping around for gas prices with apps like GasBuddy is likely to yield better deals.
Savings may even enable you to forgo car payments altogether, which can be a major cost-saving for some individuals. Furthermore, having more free time because you won’t need to spend so much effort commuting to and from work will likely give you more leisure activities.
Another potential money saver comes from cutting back on office supplies, lunches and professional clothing. This can be especially advantageous for workers who frequently attend meetings outside their office.
As remote work becomes more commonplace, employers will need to address the tax implications of paying or reimbursing business expenses for workers who work from home. This includes determining if commuting from home to an employer’s office or another work location qualifies as a personal commute and thus eligible for reimbursement.
Increased productivity
Working from home can be a great way to increase productivity. Not only does it save you money on transportation costs, give you more freedom in where you work, and even allow you to save money on health insurance premiums – but it may even lower them!
However, staying focused while working from home can be challenging. Distractions such as family members, pets and housework may arise if workers fail to set clear boundaries with coworkers, friends and family members. Establishing boundaries will help prevent these interruptions in productivity.
If you’re considering working from home, it is essential that your workspace has a dedicated workspace, reliable internet service and an adjustable schedule that meets your requirements. Furthermore, ensure there is open communication with the rest of your team members.
Research demonstrates that employees working from home tend to be more productive than their office-based counterparts. They report being less distracted by coworkers, spending 30 minutes less talking about non-work topics, and 7% more discussing work matters. This may be because they have a more secluded environment in which to focus on tasks at hand.
Reduced work absences
According to the UK Office for National Statistics, sick leave has reached its lowest ever level. This decrease is largely attributed to changes in workers’ work patterns – many now working remotely.
Working remotely can have a beneficial effect on employees’ mental health, but it also comes with its drawbacks. With remote team members often spread across the globe, it may be challenging for them to form strong connections and foster team spirit.
Additionally, a lack of long-distance communication can be an issue when managing employees’ absences. If employees feel unable to contact their managers when they require assistance or feel like they cannot discuss certain matters openly, they are more likely to take unplanned time off and become less committed to the company overall.
In some instances, this may result in employee turnover.
One way to address this issue is by creating an absenteeism policy for your remote team. This document will outline the legitimate reasons for employee absences and set rules on how those absences will be handled.
The ideal absenteeism policy will motivate workers to miss fewer workdays while still being fair and taking into account illnesses, paid time off, loss of a loved one or vacations. It also outlines what disciplinary actions your business will take if workers consistently arrive late or unprepared for work.
Better work-life balance
Maintaining a healthy work-life balance is beneficial to both employees and organizations alike. It allows workers to keep their minds sharp, leading them to be more productive. Furthermore, it makes them feel less stressed and in control of their personal lives and responsibilities.
Remote workers often report that one of the primary advantages to working from home is achieving better work-life balance. This may include having more leisurely starts to the day, taking time for a more leisurely lunch break and saving costs associated with commuting.
Another reason employees say they prefer working from home is that it allows them to set their own work schedule and structure it so they can focus on their job without distractions. This can increase productivity levels and prevent remote burnout.
It’s essential to create boundaries and maintain them when working from home, so your professional life doesn’t intrude on your personal life. Furthermore, having a no-phone, email or social media day once a week can help you intentionally unplug from work-related activity.
Many people struggle to balance their work and personal lives, but the good news is that it’s achievable! All it takes is making sure you get enough sleep, eating nutritiously, exercising regularly and dedicating time to pursuits you enjoy.
Less distractions
One of the greatest advantages to working from home is less distractions. When you work from an office, there’s usually background noise and interruptions which can be annoying. By setting up a dedicated workspace and avoiding certain activities during working hours, you can reduce these distractions significantly.
Setting rules and boundaries for your family members while working from home is essential. If your kids tend to get easily distracted, set aside a specific time each day when they can only interact with you at work and no other activities.
When working from home, it’s best to set your phone’s notifications to silent mode and keep it out of sight. Similarly, social media platforms are another major source of distractions, so logging out during work hours may be beneficial.
It’s best to limit unexpected visits from friends and family, as this will disrupt your workflow. If someone knows that you work from home, let them know that while they offer their help and support during the day, you would prefer spending that time at your workplace. A simple gesture like closing the office door or setting agreed-up office hours will let them know you are focused on work.
Better health
Working from home, whether as a full-time job or freelancer, can improve health outcomes. People with medical conditions that prevent them from commuting to work may benefit from remote employment; they’ll avoid getting the flu and won’t have to deal with being around someone who sneezes all day.
However, when working from home it’s essential to consider both your physical and mental wellbeing. For example, if you spend a lot of time at your computer, make sure that you incorporate regular exercise into your schedule; this will improve overall wellbeing and reduce strain on the body.
Furthermore, if you’re a new or part-time remote worker, setting specific work days that work best for you may be beneficial. Doing this helps manage your workload and stay on top of tasks.
Additionally, remote work offers you the chance to engage with family and community on a more regular basis. It can be challenging when commuting into the office, so having this kind of opportunity opens the door for stronger bonds.
Work-life balance can be achieved, provided you pay attention to your mental health and how to prioritize it. For instance, log off from your computer when leaving for the day and avoid checking emails in bed.
