Until quite recently, the idea of working from home was just a pipe dream for most people. However, since the COVID-19 pandemic, the workplace has undergone a significant change. Almost overnight, employers were forced to adopt remote work.
Currently, more than 60% of US workers work from home most or all of the time. If you’re hoping to adopt a work-from-home schedule, there are some benefits and also some disadvantages you might want to be aware of.
The Benefits of Working From Home
While remote work doesn’t suit everyone, one or more of the following benefits might be just what you need.
- Greater Flexibility: When you work remotely you can sleep a little later, have more time to spend with your family, have more control over when and where you work, and much more.
- No Time-Consuming Commute: The daily commute can be very stressful, with so many factors beyond your control. It often reduces job satisfaction and worsens your mental health.
- Increased Productivity: Many remote workers report increased productivity when they work from home. At home, you get to avoid the activity and noise of an open-plan office, chatty coworkers who won’t leave you alone, long coffee breaks, and impromptu meetings.
- More Comfortable: When you work remotely you can dress more comfortably and find a place to work that’s more comfortable for you, whether that’s on the couch, at a portable standing desk, or in an ergonomic home desk chair.
- Spend Less Money: You might save on commuting costs, food, and childcare.
- You Can Choose Where You Live: When you’re no longer connected with a physical workplace you get to choose where to live.
- You Can Make Your Workspace Your Own: When you work from home you can make your workspace truly your own.
Drawbacks of Working From Home
Time to take a quick look at the aspects of working from home that are not quite so awesome.
- Work/Life Balance is Difficult to Get Right: The boundaries between your job and your personal life become very blurred. You could find yourself working longer hours which could accelerate burnout.
- Feelings of Isolation and Disconnection: These are two of the biggest struggles for remote workers. Try to make regular plans with family and friends, schedule in-person meetups, make time for remote or in-person one-on-ones, or join a club.
- Bias Against Remote Workers: There can sometimes be a bias against those who are fully remote. For example, your accomplishments might not be noticed and appreciated and you might miss out on spontaneous chats.
- Loss of Creative Spark: When you work at home there is no one there to bounce your ideas off and there are no impromptu interactions that often generate some of the best creative ideas.
- Distractions of Home: There are way more distractions at home compared to the office. You might be tempted to watch the last episode of your favorite streaming show, tidy the living room, and talk to your partner. Try to enjoy these distractions in small doses to prevent them from taking over.
Working from home is here to stay, there’s no doubt about it. It provides new levels of flexibility and work-life balance, but what might be a pro for one person could be a con for another. If you try to create your ideal work environment and pursue conditions that help you achieve it, you’ll be setting yourself up for success, wherever you choose to work.