It has been nearly a year since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic and in that time Americans, along with the rest of world, took the leap into working remotely from home. While working remotely was an idea growing in popularity pre-2020, the reality of the past year has made the idea much more than something radical. In fact, this could be the new standard that companies establish moving forward. Let us examine why.
Commuting
Prior to the pandemic, U.S. workers spent an average of 54 minutes commuting each day. That commute is now clocked at zero minutes. Employees have more time at home and less mental stress in trying to arrive at work on time. In addition, the monetary savings for employees can be substantial. Gas, tolls and mass transit are now things of the past.
Quality of Life
With the commute taken out of worker’s daily schedule, that time saved has improved the work-life balance for many people. With more time in their day, people can have more family time, the ability to exercise and have more time to relax. Not having employees in the office also cuts down on office illnesses and use of sick days. In addition to having a better balance of work and home life, the monetary savings cannot be ignored. The lack of commuting, needing to buy food, new wardrobe and more can lead to an average savings of $4,000 per year!
Happiness and Productivity
The happier the employee, the more productive they are. Studies show that telecommuting employees are about 20% more productive than their office counterparts. Not only are there fewer social distractions, the employee also gains the flexibility to work during the the time of day when they are most effective.
Benefits for Employers
While the benefits are clear for the employees working at home, there are many benefits for the employers as well.
- Cost – office space, utilities, team building exercises, supplies are all savings added.
- Expanded Talent Pool – you can choose the best person for the job regardless of location.
- Retention of Employees – happier employees are less likely to seek employment elsewhere.
The benefits of working from home are clear. From wellness to productivity, employees and employers can enjoy the increased satisfaction it brings.