The Pandemic may have popularized it, but working from home is not a new trend. Many workers have known the perks for years and now, after a taste of it, most employees are hesitant to go back to the office. Here are the top benefits they don’t want to give up:
Brands that are Currently Enjoying the Benefits of Working from Home
But before that, let’s get to know some well-known brands that have gone the remote work route. These companies continue to be as successful as they are pre-pandemic, so it’s only fitting to take a leaf out of their books:
Microsoft
A world-renowned technology and software company, Microsoft allows its employees to work remotely for roughly half of their workweek. In March of 2020, they implemented a mandatory work from home policy for select work sites. As of January 2022, they have made it permanent for some of their employees.
Apple
In the same industry as Microsoft, Apple also gave their employees the option to work from home. In June 2021, employees had to work in the office three times a week. They had them working back in the office in early 2022.
A social networking platform, Twitter, through its CEO Jack Dorsey, told its employees to continue working from home “forever” back in the middle of 2020. Employees were given the option of working from the office only if they chose to.
Upwork
According to a tweet by Hayden Brown, CEO of the online job marketplace Upwork, they have now embraced a “remote-first” model. Working from home will be the default setup for their employees and will only be open for collaboration and socialization once it’s safe.
Amazon
The world’s largest online retailer, Amazon joined the ranks of brands that shifted to the WFH setup in June of 2021. Employees whose roles allow them to work remotely were given the go-signal to do so. In October of 2021, management announced that many tech and corporate workers would work from home indefinitely.
A Few Work From Home Statistics that will Surprise You
Because of this surge in the number of companies offering remote work opportunities, you’d wonder, is this the future of work? The statistics below will answer this and surprise you with the facts and trends surrounding the WFH concept.
- A survey conducted by the Becker-Friedman Institute for Economics at the University of Chicago found that working from home is as productive as working in the office.
- Even before the pandemic hit, around 164.6 million people were already working remotely in the United States alone.
- According to a survey done by Owl Labs, an average of 40 minutes a day is consumed on commuting, saving remote workers a lot of time and money.
- At the height of the Covid-19 pandemic, approximately 70% of the US workforce worked from home.
- Also from the same survey, 22% of workers claim to be happier than those who come to the office regularly.
- The work from home environment also resulted in higher job satisfaction ratings and lower employee turnovers.
- According to Global Workplace Analytics, business owners save up to $11,000 per year per employee when they choose to have them work remotely.
- In addition, employees save anywhere from $2,500 to $4,000 per year as the WFH setup saves them on fuel, parking, food, and other expenses incurred when going to the office.
- The EPA also adds that transportation accounts for 28% of greenhouse gas emissions in the United States. This means that the work from home concept is better for the environment when fewer cars go on the road.
- A Slack survey of roughly 9,000 employees from across the globe concludes that 72% now prefer the hybrid remote work model more than the traditional one, with only a mere 12% wanting to go back to an office setup.
There are many more statistics that we can add here, but the bottom line is, it looks like the work from home concept is accepted by many and will be here to stay.
15 Benefits of Working from Home
Whether you’re already working from home or are considering it, here are the 15 benefits of working remotely:
1. Savings on Time and Money
This is something that employers and employees will both appreciate. Working from home saves on rental/office space, utilities, transportation, office supplies, food, and other expenses. You’ll also spend less on car maintenance, parking, and even clothes as you don’t have to dress up for work.
Employees can prepare their food instead of buying or taking care of the kids themselves instead of paying for childcare. The list is endless, and because of the savings, many employers become generous and offer incentives and other benefits when workers choose to work remotely.
2. A Significant Increase in Productivity
Now that working from home is proven to be more productive than working from an office, many companies are now embracing this hybrid model. Employers can get more from the setup, and employees are happier when they accomplish more.
Furthermore, working from home means fewer social distractions, office politics, and conflicts. Without the stress that these factors bring, workers can focus more on their work, thus becoming more productive and better performing.
3. Flexibility, Freedom, and Agility
Home workers enjoy the benefits of having freedom when and where they work. They have the flexibility to choose their work hours. Instead of working at a specified time, they can do their tasks during hours that they are the most productive. This is ideal for those who work with colleagues from different time zones.
When workers choose the work time (if applicable), they no longer have to ask for permission or consider such complications. They will experience less pressure, resulting in improved performance and happier work life. And if you’re in the creative field, you can work when you’re most inspired without having to worry about clocking in and out.
4. Hire Talents Globally
Hiring top talents can be quite a challenge for managers and business owners. When you choose to have employees that work remotely, you open your doors to applicants from around the globe. Companies will have a higher chance of finding employees with relevant skills, experience, and even rates.
In addition, your organization will enjoy perspectives from different cultures and countries. This is great for building a work culture that’s innovative and well-rounded.
5. Environment-Friendly
A Flexjobs study found that when an estimated 3.9 million employees work from home for half the time, over 600,000 cars get taken off the road for a whole year. This saves us millions of tons of greenhouse gases and up to $980 million in oil savings. If you’re for long-term sustainability, adapting the work from home concept allows you to impact the environment positively.
Also, home working allows companies to make better environmental choices. They will be using less electricity, less air conditioning or heating, and less paper and paper products.
6. Better Work-Life Balance
With the flexible hours and the comforts of home, employees enjoy a better balance in their work and social lives with a WFH setup. Also, having control over your schedule allows workers to take better care of their personal lives.
When employees can attend to both work and life matters without hitches, it gives them job satisfaction that shows in their work. They give their best to complete tasks, and when they do, this gives them a feeling of accomplishment. However, it’s imperative to practice time management skills to better allocate time for household and work chores.
7. Higher Retention Rates
According to an article in Forbes, the 2.4% “quit rate” in March of 2021 is the highest the workforce has seen in twenty years. It rose to 2.7% a month later, prompting many to call it “The Great Resignation.” This proves that attracting and retaining talent is a challenge not exclusive to only a few companies.
Given the benefits of a work from home setup, employees are more satisfied and will less likely look for work elsewhere. Also, knowing that their employers have shown them trust by allowing them to work remotely, they gain a sense of value, making them want to stay.
8. Attracts Top Talents
A Flexjobs survey in March of 2021 revealed that 24% of workers find working from home their top priority. They are willing to take a pay cut of up to 20% just to remain working remotely. A hybrid working setup retains talents and is an excellent way to attract new ones.
9. Comfortable Work Environment
Working comfortably is one of the biggest perks of remote work. This means employees can choose where they work, whether from their homes or in co-working spaces. They have the freedom to get themselves that ergonomic chair or surround themselves with plants and other stress relievers while working.
Working from home also allows employees to change locations, either move to a different street or country altogether. They can realize their dreams of working in the middle of a farm or along a beach. Remember, a positive and preferred work environment impacts employee productivity.
10. Better Mental Health
Without the commute, more time for themselves, being in the company of loved ones, and many other benefits, employees will be exposed less to stress. They will enjoy better mental health when they work from home. They can look after their physical and emotional needs while having that sense of accomplishment.
11. Less Absenteeism
Being able to take care of a family member who’s sick is possible with a work from home setup. When the workers themselves feel a bit under the weather, they can still do some work without having to call in sick. Instead of traveling to the office, they can spend the time resting.
When you give employees control of managing their time, they no longer have to take unnecessary time off.
12. Employees Feel Valued
When employees work from home, they will gain this feeling of being valued and appreciated. This is because employers have to establish trust before letting their current employees work remotely. This keeps them motivated and gives them a sense of belonging, which helps with employee engagement.
13. More Efficient Communication
With so many communication software and tools to choose from, communicating with other team members becomes more straightforward. From email messaging to video conferencing, there’s an app you can use; some are even for free, such as Slack, Zoom, or Discord.
14. Good for Business
Did you know that businesses lose over $600 million each year to distractions in the workplace? According to Global Workplace Analytics, 94% of the respondents report higher productivity since working from home. Below are the top reasons a work from home setup is good for business:
- Fewer interruptions
- Better focus
- Peaceful environment
- Comfortable work areas
- Little to no office politics
15. Fewer Office Politics
This leads us to our final benefit of working from home: avoiding office politics that come with an in-office job. Everyone wants a happier and healthier work-life, and to achieve this, we need to steer clear of these distractions. Working alone at home means you won’t have to deal with gossiping, dislikes, altercations, and many others. However, meeting up for coffee or lunch if you’re in one geographical location strengthens team spirit and boosts morale.
How Penji Can Help
Working from home sure has its benefits and advantages. However, there will be times when you’ll be needing help from someone, especially when it comes to graphic design. For all your design needs, contact Penji to give you a helping hand. Watch our demo video here to learn about what we do.
Or, you can sign up today to get our designers started.
