Unsurprisingly, the onset of a global pandemic meant adjusting to life in every way, shape, and form. Remote work was introduced, and the world never looked back. New technology has enabled this global revolution by establishing team collaboration software, cloud services, and video conferencing applications.
It was deemed a luxury provided to a lucky few in the past. In contrast, today, it is deemed a necessity. Many companies have adopted this mindset and even provide hybrid options for employees to work some days remotely while being present at the office other days.
The advantages of remote working can be obvious for businesses. They no longer have to provide breakfast and lunches, turn on the AC, use electricity, and foot the hydro bill. For employees, remote work has also offered numerous profound benefits that many may not realize.
Here are the six business advantages of remote working:
Advantage #1: Work in a space that works for you
Working remotely does not necessarily mean working from home. You could work remotely from off-site: in a coffee shop, a library, a gaming cafe, etc. This flexibility means you can make the space around you work for you instead of against you! This can boost your productivity, mood, and dedication to your job.
Team collaboration software allows employees to meet up anywhere digitally. The elimination of lengthy in-person meetings and winding commutes leads to more time and space for your creativity to thrive. Flexible working hours are also ideal for employees who enjoy working outside of the traditional 9-5. Perhaps you work best at midnight, or perhaps you work best at dawn. This freedom allows you to finally enjoy your work rather than feel confined to doing it.
Advantage #2: Work-life balance
Not only is your workspace more in your control, but your work-life balance is in your own hands. When you work a structured 9-5 in an office, after you factor in the commute there, drinks after work, and then the commute back, employees rarely have time for their family or themselves.
Many remote jobs allow you to start and finish when you want, as long as you complete your work. This grants you the opportunity to take longer lunch breaks, sleep in, and occasionally adjust your schedule around your social life. Now that you can work from home, you can take this opportunity to balance your work with mindfulness.
Advantage #3: Autonomy
Similar to the benefits listed above, the autonomy you gain when working remotely allows you to engage more wholeheartedly with your work. Since the work is now on your terms and in your own hands, you can choose how you would like to proceed. There’s flexibility in the time of day you choose, the outfits you select, the couch you sit on, the cafe you choose, or the cat you pet.
Benefit #4: Timeliness
A common theme of remote work is its ability to save time during the day. Many factors that regularly cause tardiness are reduced when you work from home. Factors such as traffic, oversleeping, unpredictable weather, and abnormally long drive-through lines are eliminated, leaving you more time in the day to do what you like.
Try spending the time traditionally allocated for commuting to take a nice walk outside, practice meditation, cook a nutritious meal, or catch up with family and friends. Not only does it save time, but the lack of commuting also reduces stress and anxiety— it is no surprise that honking horns and screaming drivers do not do wonders for your mental health.
Benefit #5: Fewer expenses
They say time is money. Luckily for you, working from home saves you both time AND money. Expenses such as gas, new and updated professional attire, parking fees, coffees on the go, and purchased lunches are reduced, leaving a decent amount of savings. Remote work also means that you no longer have to live near your workplace to be employed there.
Traditionally, a high-paying job required you to move to a city with a high cost of living; however, with the flexibility of being remote, you can consciously select an area with lower rent. The money you save can then be invested back into yourself and your future!
Benefit #6: Access to more opportunities
As an employee, remote work means you have a greater chance of getting hired as companies can hire beyond their geographic location. You can now apply for job opportunities outside where you could have traditionally commuted! This can be especially helpful if you live in a rural area or where public transport is scarce.
Want to go on vacation during the work week? Not a problem! Make sure your hotel room has a strong wifi connection and a solid desk, and you are good to go. The world is essentially at your fingertips!