Considering working virtually? Here are 9 Benefits of Working From Home.
Time
Who doesn’t want more time in their day? Since we can’t buy or manufacture time what could we do to grant that wish? Work from home is one simple answer.
In the U.S., the average, one-way commute time is 26.1 minutes (according to the U.S. Census Bureau). If you commute 5-day-a-week job, roundtrip that adds up to 4.35 hours a week and over 200 hours (nearly nine days) per year.
What would you do with that time?
- Spend more time with your children…
- Read a book …..
- Start a hobby…..
- Get more sleep …..
Speaking of sleep: According to ResMed’s Global, the sleep survey also revealed how returning to the office has impacted the way people believe their sleep quality will change. Many respondents said they have slept better or longer while working remotely and believe more in-office working time will make it difficult to wake up in the morning:
- 45% of Americans who reported working from home said they get more sleep compared to working in an office, and 48% of those who said they currently work remotely said it will be harder for them to wake up once they return to a physical workplace.
Flexibility
This is one of the greatest benefits I hear working with virtual teams is the flexibility it offers. They can plan the majority of their day around their needs such as events, medical appointments, checking in on elderly parents, picking children up from school, etc.
Savings
How would a $3,000 raise sound? Especially with the cost of gas rising this is a huge benefit. You also have the wear and tear on your vehicle, parking, lunch, clothes, and the list continues on. Those that work virtually from home feel like they have just gotten a raise. To determine your exact figures check here.
Location
You can work anywhere in the world. This is an advantage for you and an employer looking for top talent. You do have to make sure you have a strong stable internet connection.
Noise
For those who are easily distracted, you can be more productive and get more done. For creative thinkers, this is the perfect playground for being creative in your own environment. You will need to keep your working space uncluttered as that will stifle your creativity and productivity. Some co-workers are just loud by nature.
Health
Not being in an office also prevents you from coming in contact with those who are sick. This makes it better for your family as you are not bringing it home either. With removing the commute, you don’t have lunch rush, and no long hours in the office away from family or friends, working remotely can improve the health and wellness of employees by reducing stress
Office Setting
Here is the opportunity to make it your own where many employers do not allow personal items. You choose what chair or where you sit. You can paint it your color and change it up however you like.
Some colors that are better for productivity are blues and greens.
Mental Health
Especially for the introvert having to interact with people who are zealous or loud can be very trying and stressful. Since you are working alone you don’t have to impress anyone (other than with your work) or listen to things you are not comfortable with.
Work-Life Balance
Working from home offers the opportunity to be in control of your life and time. Now you determine what that looks like. You might be putting on dinner between calls with a client. Run to the grocery store another day besides Saturday to save time. You have a multitude of things that you do that can now be balanced when working from home.
Today’s virtual workers are building a professional reputation as the employees of the future. Do you believe they virtual is here to stay even if only in a hybrid manner?
It’s time for employers and employees alike to embrace the new world of work and to consider the benefits of working remotely and what is best for both the employee and employer.
Karen Fox – better known as Karen THE Connector – partners with leaders and teams to increase connecting through collaboration and expand their contribution with greater productivity and engagement. She is a Team Sales and Marketing Growth Strategist and Speaker. She has been referred to as Dynamite in a small package with a twist of humor. Karen works with entrepreneurs, teams, and sales leaders that want to accelerate their results. She is the creator of the Extraordinary Success System and “Lead as a Leader” program. Karen THE Connector<
