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BDI Blog
WORKING FROM HOME BENEFITS EMPLOYEES AND EMPLOYERS
Conducting business today is not the same as it was 20 years ago. Instead of opulent and finely appointed offices, companies today see the value in having employees work remotely. In fact, since 2005, Global Workplace Analytics says that the non-self-employed population who regularly work from home has grown by 140%.
This trend in telecommuting has seen more growth than the rest of the workforce in the past ten years, and it doesn’t show any sign of slowing down. Here are just a few reasons that telecommuting from a home office has become the new norm.
Equal Benefit
From a professional perspective, there are many reasons why working from home is beneficial to both the employee and employer.
Easy Access
Especially for those with international clients, finding an agreeable time for a conference call can be challenging. With a home office, you can be available whenever you are needed, always making sure that your clients come first. Early morning conference call? No problem. Late night strategy session? Easily done. Telecommuters can go from “off the clock” to “in the office” in a matter of minutes, and with a laptop table, you won't even have to leave the couch.
Cutting Expenses
Working from a home office makes it easier to cut down on overhead expenses. Instead of high-rise offices that cost a small fortune, allowing employees to work from home helps to cut down on operational costs. The US Energy Information Administration also reports that Americans spend up to $1,300 a year on gas alone and working from home can put some of that gas money back in your pocket.
Productivity
Forbes Online reported that those working from home are more productive than their in-office counterparts. However, that also requires that you set up a space that is conducive to productive work time. Selecting office furniture that keeps your workspace clutter-free and organized will help you stay focused and help to increase productivity.
Personally Speaking
There are also several personal benefits that come from a work-at-home environment, especially if you can clearly define work time from home time.
Your Own Hours
Whether you’re an early riser or a night owl, telecommuting provides you with the opportunity to work whenever you are most effective. Just be sure you don’t fall into the trap of bleeding work time into personal time. When you work from home, setting a structure around your work hours is more important than ever.
Work/Life Balance
Home is the central place for family and having your office so readily available, and eliminating a lengthy commute makes it easier to spend time with the ones you love. Every working parent wants more family time, and having a home office means you can more easily structure work time around the family moments or commitments that are most important to you.
Your Office Style
Instead of staring at boring beige walls and kitschy motivational posters, working from home allows you to create an office that is a reflection of your style. Add a standing desk to help get you on your feet throughout the day, or file cabinets and modular shelving to keep documents organized. Either way, make it a space that motivates and inspires you.
Whether you’re running a startup and looking to cut down on costs, an employer with hundreds of employees, or a working parent looking for more family time, telecommuting is a cost-effective and proven option.