Work from home—the word itself is motivating enough for people who travel daily or cover miles to reach their offices, but remote work is not just about avoiding traffic or wearing your favorite pajamas all day. Working from home brings many benefits that can significantly boost your well-being and productivity.
In this blog, I will share 13 reasons to work from home. It’s not just a trend, it’s a lifestyle shift transforming how we live and work.
13 Best Reasons to Work from Home
From boosting productivity to saving time and money, remote work has something for everyone. Let’s get into more details.
1. Increases Productivity
Working from home often means fewer distractions and more focus on the task at hand. When you work from home, you control the environment, eliminating distractions and creating a space that lets you get in the zone. It’s amazing how much you can accomplish when you don’t have Janet from accounting stopping by to discuss her cat’s new diet.
Even studies show that work from home employees are 47% more productive than in-office workers. Why? Because remote employees tend to take shorter breaks, have fewer sick days, and experience fewer distractions.
Fun Fact
Research shows that companies operating fully remotely are likely to fill positions 33% faster than their competitors.
2. Zero Commute Time
Research shows that the average commute time has increased by 20 minutes a week.
Ah, the joys of commuting! Just kidding. How much of your day do you think is swallowed up by commuting? For the average American, it’s about 55 minutes daily, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. That’s more than 200 hours per year spent in transit! Remote work eliminates this time-suck, giving you back nearly an entire extra month each year. Additionally, a FlexJobs survey revealed that 79% of respondents considered the lack of a commute one of the main reasons for increased job satisfaction when working remotely. This reclaimed time can be used for more meaningful activities like hobbies, exercise, or simply catching up on sleep.
3. No Office Distractions
No matter how much you deny it, you will get affected by your surroundings, many people seem to get distracted by the random office chatter, meetings, and seemingly endless conversations about weekend plans or the latest episode of a popular show.
Studies from Udemy show that 70% of workers feel distracted at work, with nearly 16% reporting that they’re always distracted. By working from home, you can create your very own work environment focusing on your needs, whether that’s complete silence or some background music. This control helps you stay in the zone and get tasks done faster and more efficiently.
4. Better Time Management
When you’re the boss of your schedule, magic happens. According to a report from Buffer, 32% of remote workers say having a flexible schedule is the biggest benefit of working from home. Whether you’re an early bird or a night owl, you can organize your day around when you work best.
Want to tackle that big project at 3 a.m.? Go for it! Prefer to start your day with a morning workout? You are the master of your time, also you don’t need to fight for a shower before your 9 a.m. meeting!
Want to learn better ways to manage your time? We got you! 20 Essential Time Management Techniques.
5. Improved Work Life Balance
No more sacrificing personal time for work! A survey found that 72% of remote workers felt their work life balance improved since working from home. When your home is your office, you can easily balance your work and family time, you can attend those important family gatherings, take a yoga class, or finally get around to finishing that novel you’ve been putting off. The result? A more harmonious life where work supports your lifestyle instead of competing with it.
6. Chance to Develop New Digital Skills
One of the great perks of remote work is the opportunity for skills training.
While working from home, you may have realized just how often you tapped into new software tools, honed your ability to write clearer emails, or improved your time management skills! And that’s just the beginning. Remote work continuously offers chances to develop both hard and soft skills, keeping you engaged and adaptable in an ever-evolving workplace.
7. More Time for Family and Personal Activities
When you work from home, you can finally reclaim that elusive “me time.”
In fact, a FlexJobs survey revealed that 88% of remote workers felt they had more time to spend with family and friends.
Want to have lunch with your kids? Check!
Need to run a quick errand? Go for it!
Go out with your friends, attend those long-awaited gatherings, and have fun.
Want to pursue new hobbies? Go ahead! Or just enjoy the simple pleasure of a home-cooked meal, remote work lets you savor the sweet moments of life.
Some fun family time ideas for you to try:
- Plan game nights
- Movie marathons
- Cooking or baking together
- Go for outdoor adventures
- DIY craft projects
- Camp in the backyard
- Gardening together
- Family storytime
- Music and dance party
- Treasure hunt or scavenger hunt
8. Greater Inclusivity
Remote work breaks down barriers for neurodivergent individuals, minorities, and people with disabilities.
For many, it means not having to deal with physical challenges, like navigating an office in a wheelchair or managing sensory overload. It also helps reduce some of the biases and discrimination that can happen in a traditional workplace.
This change is significant and can really create a more welcoming and diverse work environment for everyone.
9. Fewer Expenses and Higher Savings
The financial benefits of remote work are undeniable, and savings are the only assets people have nowadays. The average remote worker saves about $4,000 a year by working from home, according to Global Workplace Analytics. With fewer trips to the gas station, no expensive lunches, and a wardrobe made up of comfy pajamas and essential clothing, your bank account will thank you.
Plus, companies save about $11,000 per employee annually by allowing employees to work from home. It’s a true win for both sides!
10. Make Time for Hobbies and Passion
You really know you’re enjoying life when you have the time, space, and energy to fall in love with something new and that’s the reality for many remote workers!
Whether it’s baking, making rugs, skating, or getting lost in a good book, you can truly take charge of your free time. Working from home gets rid of so many everyday hassles, like ironing your clothes, packing lunches, and commuting.
With all that time back in your day, you can explore new interests, dive into hobbies you love, start side hustles, or work on passion projects. It’s a huge perk of remote work that often gets overlooked!
11. Health and Well-being Benefits
When your home is your office, you can focus on your health. According to a SurveyMonkey study, 50% of remote workers report lower stress levels, while 42% say they’re eating healthier. The best part? Fewer germs from office life mean a lower chance of catching that cold that’s been making the rounds. You can work on your physical and mental well-being while still meeting deadlines. Home offices give you the chance to create a comfortable work area that helps prevent physical strain.
More health benefits of working from home:
- Reduces stress levels
- Improves work-life balance
- Healthier eating habits
- Fewer sick days
- Enhanced mental well-being
- Less likely to catch a flu or viral fever
12. Less Carbon Footprint
Remote work is a win for both you and the environment. By reducing the need for daily commuting, it cuts down on carbon emissions significantly. Global Workplace Analytics estimates that if everyone who could work from home did so just half the time, it could reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 54 million tons each year. That’s like removing 10 million cars from the roads! So, working from home isn’t just a personal lifestyle choice, it’s an eco-friendly one too.
13. Better Job Satisfaction
Feeling happier with your job isn’t just about salary or perks, it’s about feeling in control. A Gallup poll showed that an employee who works remotely is 20% more effective and productive compared to employees who stay in an office. When you have the freedom to create your ideal work environment, your mood lifts, and you find more joy in what you do.
Happy employees lead to less burnout and higher retention rates, as happy employees are more likely to stay with their company.
Find out what it takes to build a professional work from home setup
Conclusion
Work from home isn’t just a trend, it’s reshaping how we live and work. From boosting productivity and well-being to reducing environmental impact, the benefits are undeniable. Say goodbye to the rigid 9-to-5 and reclaim time for what matters most, whether that’s family, personal growth, or simply enjoying a balanced life.
Embrace the freedom and flexibility of remote, and unlock a lifestyle where professional success and personal happiness go hand in hand. With remote work, you truly can have it all.
Elevate your remote work game with the best practices you need for a stress-free workflow.
Discover the best practicesFrequently Asked Questions
The basics include a trustworthy computer or laptop and stable internet, of course, as well as comfortable seating, noise-canceling headphones, webcam, and adequate lighting in a conducive workspace. Additional supportive accessories can increase the comfort level and productivity.
Work from home offers benefits like increased productivity, zero commute time, fewer distractions, better time management, improved work life balance, flexible hours, reduced expenses, and a lower carbon footprint. It allows for a customized work approach that suits individual needs.
Some effective time management techniques for work from home employees include:
Pomodoro Technique: Work for 25 minutes and take a 5-minute break.
Time Blocking: Schedule blocks of time for specific tasks.
Eisenhower Matrix: Prioritize tasks by evaluating their urgency and significance.
Getting Things Done (GTD): Break tasks into actionable steps.
Daily Reviews: Review your daily goals and achievements to stay on track.
Maintain balance by setting a routine, creating a dedicated workspace, scheduling breaks, engaging in hobbies, and setting boundaries between work and personal time. Regular exercise and mindfulness practices can further enhance well-being.
Make your workplace free from distractions by distancing yourself from the family and marking your working hours to your family members. Noise-cancelling headphones are a necessity during work. Specify the time for breaks and non-working time during particular shifts. You can also use apps to block distracting websites.
