The remote work model is becoming more popular now and not just because it helps keep COVID infection rates as low as possible. A lot of companies are starting to recognize that remote working can benefit their employees and the businesses themselves. Thanks to technology, remote work is now easier and lower in costs than it has ever been. All that is needed is a good Internet connection, a laptop and appropriate software. Keep reading to find out why remote working is beneficial for both employees and employers.

Benefits of Remote Work for Employees 

1. It saves you money

When you work remotely, you get to prepare food at home which is cheaper, and you don’t have to spend money on public transport or gas. The costs are lower both for employees and their companies, which you’ll find more about in the next section. 

2. More time spent with family

If you’re lucky enough to be able to work remotely, you no longer must worry about giving up on your family responsibilities and prioritizing your work. While dividing your attention between work and your loved one can hardly be called quality time, you still get to keep them company. If you’re a young parent, you can use your breaks to do the chores and save a lot of time. And when your lunch breaks come, you can share the meal with your family – a luxury not many people have. Additionally, if your job requires the completion of a specific number of tasks for the day, you can learn to be more productive and finish early to enjoy extended time with your family. 

3. You can wear comfortable clothes

If this isn’t enough of a benefit, I don’t know what is. Most work environments require clothing that is too formal and uncomfortable which might be a great way to keep the company’s image but can affect employees’ productivity and comes with extra costs. After all, there’s nothing quite like doing your work in a comfortable tracksuit or a pajama, and even better, in bed where you can feel as relaxed as possible. When you work from home, you don’t have to do your hair or makeup either, you can just be yourself, or focus entirely on work without worrying about not looking professional.  

4. You’re more likely to stay concentrated

A typical office environment isn’t for everyone – the sound of keyboard and mouse clicking might be distracting and you might be unlucky enough to be sitting next to a colleague who keeps clearing their throat – you get what I’m saying. Plus, every person might have a different strategy to stay focused and most work environments can’t accommodate that as they require you to adjust to their working style and hope it will be enough to make you productive. 

On the other hand, when you’re working remotely, you get to create a work environment that caters to your needs. You can listen to music that keeps you motivated and snack on food whenever you feel like it. You can turn your favorite TV show on and work from the comfort of your bed. If you keep your phone away and prevent distractions, your productivity will skyrocket. In addition, you can make sure that your working area inspires productivity by improving the lighting and making it as organized as possible. 

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5. You don’t have to waste time and money on commuting

One of the biggest advantages of remote working is how much time you can save in the morning. You don’t have to wake up at the break of the dawn to get ready and then suffer a long commute to work thinking about your life choices. Similarly, you don’t have to waste time travelling back – all you must do is log out and enjoy your free time. Remote working saves you both time and money.  

6. You can set your own schedule and increase your productivity as a result

Remote working tends to offer more flexibility because you no longer must complete tasks in a specific order. Depending on the working style that motivates you the most, you can start from the easiest or the hardest task first and create a schedule that makes the best use of your skills. Additionally, you can take a break when you need one to recharge batteries and emerge with a refreshed mind. 

If you get the work done, you can even treat yourself to a power nap if this is what your body needs to stay at its best. Depending on your company’s requirements, you might be able to make your own schedule and start work at the time that suits you best, which could even be in the afternoon if it boosts your productivity.  

7. It boosts your energy

Do you know another great thing about not having to commute? You can wake up as late as you want. You can even get up a few minutes before you’re about to clock in and have breakfast as you’re starting your work for the day. The extra hours of sleep translate into higher energy levels by boosting your mood and making you feel well-rested which is what your body needs to be productive. 

You can also boost your energy by taking a short walk during your break or having a quick exercise to improve your mood. If everything gets done on time, no one will question your working habits, especially since you can adjust them so that you can hit more goals than you previously did. At home, you still must follow the orders, but you get to be your boss in many different aspects. 

And if you’re an introvert, I have great news for you. You no longer must spend energy talking to your coworkers, which can be draining even if you’re sociable, and significantly affect your productivity. Thanks to remote working, you get to stay focused on your work without unnecessary interruptions and you don’t have to get pulled into any office drama. 

8. It reduces your stress levels

No matter how good the company’s support system is, most jobs are incredibly stressful, and employees aren’t allowed enough flexibility to keep their well-being in check. But if you work remotely, you get to benefit from many stress-relieving gadgets that can make working a more pleasant and productive experience. 

For example, you can invest in an air diffuser that fills your room with lavender oil meant to promote calmness or tuck yourself under a weighted blanket that improves anxiety – whatever works for you. For the same reason, you can expect improved mental health. 

If things get too overwhelming, you can step out for a quick break and use a stress-management technique without worrying about facing judgement from your coworkers. Remote work allows you to do your job in an environment you feel the safest in and we both know that the better you feel mentally, the more work you’re able to complete. 

9. You get to have peace and quiet

If you’re one of those people who need total silence while working, you’ll appreciate this benefit of remote work. Depending on your living situation, your house is more likely to be quiet than an office environment that often fails to consider how a high level of noise might affect workers’ productivity. But even if you live with noise housemates or if your family comes back home early, you can invest in noise-cancelling headphones that help you stay fully focused on work.  

10. If you have a chronic condition that needs monitoring, it makes things easier and more comfortable

Even though companies do their best to cater for employees’ needs, it’s much more comfortable to monitor your condition at home, especially if it’s rare and you’re at risk of facing judgement from other employees. You can feel safer knowing that you can access all the medication you need and take a break when you need it. Thanks to the remote working style you can adjust your routine to your needs, not the other way round. 

11. It gives you more opportunities to travel

Working remotely is a great option for those who enjoy frequent travel. Even if you can’t take days off, you can always take your work with you. Sure, a working holiday isn’t ideal but I’m sure you’ll agree it’s much better to work on the beach than in a cramped office. And if you ever want to move countries, you don’t have to quit your job to make it happen. All you need is a good Internet connection. 

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12. It works in your favor in emergencies

Accidents happen and not every company can afford to let you take a few days off when, for example, your family member needs your help. However, if you work remotely, you can take your work with you anywhere and don’t have to choose between your family and your job. Remote work allows you to have a better life/work balance and prioritize your private life.  

13. It keeps you safer

If your immune system is compromised or if you need to shield because your family member is at risk, working from home allows you to keep safe from catching infections. Plus, since you no longer must commute, you’re less likely to be involved in an accident.  

14. You can finally get a dog

The 9-5 model doesn’t leave too much free time for taking care of a pet, especially if you add time spent commuting and dealing with family responsibilities. But if you work from home, you can take a break whenever you feel like it and walk your dog a few times per day. Even if you can’t spend too much time playing with it, your presence will be enough to keep it company. 

Benefits For Businesses

1. Increased employees’ satisfaction and business’ efficiency

Remote work allows employees to have a better work/life balance and encourages them to develop their own working style. When an employee is allowed to prioritize their needs, their motivation and engagement increases, which are one of the most important conditions for a company’s success. 

As remote work allows more flexibility, employees are less likely to be overworked and take days off due to health reasons, which translates into more productivity and maintaining the company’s continuity. Additionally, you no longer must worry about poor weather conditions or accidents that can prevent your employees from making it to work. 

2. Access to more applicants

Finding potential employees who have high expertise and all the desired skills you’re looking for can be tricky and no one likes to settle for a candidate just because there are no better options available. 

However, if you offer remote work, location is no longer an obstacle and you can interview potential employees from all over the world, which makes it more likely you’ll find the perfect match for your company. In addition, workers who prefer remote work tend to be highly self-motivated which means they can get potentially get more done in a shorter amount of time.  

3. Increased employees’ productivity

Even though when most people think of remote work, they visualize an employee who plays video games instead of doing what they’re required to do working from home is synonymous with a boost in productivity. According to recent statistics, 77% of remote workers show an increase in productivity. [1]  

4. Lowered business expenses

Remote work allows businesses to cut on many business expenses such as the cost of work equipment, travel allowance, office space, etc.  

5. Reduced carbon footprint

Remote work has many benefits for the environment. Since fewer people are commuting to work and you don’t have to use as much electricity, the gas emission is reduced. Furthermore, you can expect less paper use as work meetings can be held online and notes made electronically. 

References:

[1] https://www.apollotechnical.com/working-from-home-productivity-statistics/ 

 

About the Contributor

Joanna Cakala is a multilingual writer based in the UK. Combining a degree in Psychology and passion for writing, she started her freelance journey penning articles on mental health.

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