Being able to work from home is not for everyone, but for those who know the benefits, they would not have it any other way.
Being able to work from home presents both opportunities and challenges for employees and employers. Working from home isn’t for everyone. While it might seem like a dream environment, employees may find it harder to adjust to a home office and prefer the motivation of a traditional workplace. Here are five key benefits of working for a company that promotes a flexible work culture and a work life balance.
Cost savings
There are numerous operational savings associated with employees working from home such as office space, office resources and other office overheads. Your employee will often pay for a computer, your internet access, phone line and home office supplies. Employees also save money on childcare expenses, public transport costs, petrol, purchasing lunch every day and buying work outfits.
Increased productivity
Working from home often results in healthier and happier employees. This not leads to increased productivity, higher motivation and improved business performance but also reduced absenteeism and turnover. With no work commute, employees arrive ‘fresh’ to work and ready to start the day on a good note. There is also more chance of coming down with a cold or other viruses when you work in a traditional office.
Higher retention rate
With employees not tied to a traditional physical office set up, telecommuting allows people the flexibility of moving to different states or even sometimes countries without having to look for another position. Parents with young children can continue working from home without leaving their job and having to pay for childcare. The cost of retraining an employee is very high to a company so this is a huge cost saving.
Work life balance
Working from home also promotes a work life balance. It gives you the freedom of structuring your workday around your family and other commitments. You can take your children to school and pick them up as well as being able to attend special events such as sporting carnivals and awards ceremonies. As a result of spending more time with your family, you can develop closer bonds and strengthen family ties.
Eco-friendly
With more people choosing to work from home and reducing their carbon footprint, there will be less pressures and demands on public transport and reliance on cars for the daily commute. There will also be less energy expended in traditional office environments on lighting, heating and air conditioning. Working from home is an eco-friendly option that is conducive to a lot of environmentally responsible practices.
Telecommuting allows employers to empower employees and put trust in them to manage their own workload. Working from home can be done gradually over time allowing the employee to work a few days at home and adjust to their new environment. Some employees thrive when they work from home and adapt straight away while other employees will prefer a conventional working environment.