In recent years, the popularity of remote work has skyrocketed as professionals seek flexible work arrangements that align with their lifestyle and technological advancements make it easier to collaborate from anywhere. A survey conducted among colleagues revealed numerous advantages of working from home. In this article, we will expand on the existing points and introduce additional benefits to shed light on the transformative power of remote work.
Zero Travel Time
When you work from home after being used to commuting to the office, you’re suddenly left with extra time on your hands. Kirsten Forrester, CEO of Accounting for Good, says, her “travel time is spent working. I don’t have to make myself look nice or spend time travelling when I work from home.” The elimination of commuting not only saves valuable time but also reduces stress and expenses associated with daily travel. Beyond the obvious time savings, employees can use the reclaimed travel time for personal growth activities, exercise, or pursuing hobbies, leading to increased work-life balance and overall well-being.
More Flexibility
Working from home provides individuals with the flexibility to structure their day according to their needs. This freedom allows employees to align their work schedule with their personal preferences, whether it's starting early to maximize productivity, taking breaks for family commitments, or enjoying the opportunity to work in different locations.
Additionally, flextime arrangements enable employees to better manage personal responsibilities, such as attending medical appointments, picking up children from school, or engaging in other activities that were previously challenging due to rigid office hours.
Nicole Lynch, Director of Streamline Management, enjoys being able to sit in the sun and work even though working from home can get a “bit lonely”. She also says, “Working from home gives the opportunity to start earlier or later or take a break for something else in the middle of the day”.
For Sarah Stein, Founder and Senior Bookkeeper at Miss Efficiency, being there for her kids is the biggest benefit of working from home. “The flexibility of working my business at home and round family is really important to me”.
Better Control Over Work Tasks
The absence of office distractions and the ability to personalize the work environment can significantly boost concentration and productivity. Working from home empowers individuals to allocate their time more efficiently, enabling them to delve deeper into complex tasks and concentrate on strategic activities that drive business growth.
Moreover, remote work fosters a results-oriented work culture. Rather than being tied to traditional office hours, employees can focus on achieving desired outcomes, which leads to a stronger sense of autonomy and empowerment.
Working from home relieves some of the pressure that can be experienced when working at the office. Sharon Pocock, MD and Chief Innovator at Kinder Pocock, says, “I feel I should be doing client work [and/or] chargeable work when I’m in the office”. Working from home one day a week allows her to work on her business rather than in her business by focusing on “strategy, planning and marketing”.
Nicole Lynch adds, “Cloud apps mean we don’t need a server, and we can login anywhere. [They] give us the option to work wherever we want – to meet work and family commitments within the 24 hours we have each day.”
Environmental Sustainability
One often overlooked advantage of remote work is its positive impact on the environment. With fewer employees commuting, the carbon emissions associated with daily travel decrease significantly. Additionally, remote work reduces the need for extensive office spaces, contributing to reduced energy consumption and lower carbon footprints.
Cost Savings
Working from home can yield substantial financial benefits. Employees can save money on commuting expenses, such as fuel, parking fees, or public transportation costs. Similarly, businesses can significantly reduce overhead expenses by downsizing office space, lowering utility bills, and cutting down on other operational costs associated with maintaining a physical workspace.
Global Talent Pool and Collaboration
Remote work enables businesses to tap into a global talent pool without geographic constraints. Companies can hire top talent from around the world, fostering diverse perspectives and expertise. Moreover, cloud-based collaboration tools facilitate seamless communication and collaboration across distributed teams, allowing for efficient knowledge sharing and increased productivity.
Health and Well-being
Remote work can positively impact employees' mental and physical health. The flexibility to engage in physical exercise, prioritize self-care, and adopt healthier eating habits is more accessible when working from home. Reduced exposure to office-related stressors, such as long commutes, workplace politics, and distractions, can contribute to improved well-being and job satisfaction.
Easier Scalability
Gary Green, Chartered Accountant at Key Business Consultants, LLP, likes that working from home helps him “scale the business without incurring more costs”. He can work from home and still “write off the costs against the business”.
Cloud accounting apps make it easy to work from home and take on more clients without incurring additional fees.
Whatever your reasons for working from home, cloud technology makes it easy to get your work done and enjoy a more balanced lifestyle.
The Takeaway
The benefits of working from home extend far beyond the points highlighted in this post! Remote work empowers individuals to craft their work-life balance, optimize productivity, reduce costs, and contribute to a more sustainable future. As technology continues to evolve, providing seamless connectivity and collaboration, remote work is expected to remain a preferred choice for many professionals seeking a flexible and fulfilling career.
Heather Smith produces a bi-weekly Accounting Apps newsletter. Learn more and subscribe on her website.