12 Major Benefits of Working From Home

During the COVID-19 pandemic, many companies switched to remote working for the safety of their employees. Now, in the post-pandemic world, you may be wondering whether returning to the office is the best choice for your needs. Many people have found that telecommuting has a large number of benefits, from a reduced commute to fewer office distractions.

If you’re debating whether you want to return to an in-office position or search for an all-remote position, consider the following benefits of working from home:

1. Increased productivity

Contrary to what you might think, many studies have shown that remote workers are actually more productive when working from home than in a traditional office. Surveys have found workers are more distracted by stress, workplace politics, and coworkers when they’re in the office, and others have noted people are more willing to work extra hours when they’re able to stay at home, according to Celerative. However, it does require self-discipline and self-motivation to stay productive and on task when there’s no one around to monitor your work from your home office.

2. More flexibility in your work schedule

When you work in a traditional office setting, it can be challenging to fit things like doctor’s appointments and daycare pickups into your schedule, which forces you to leave work early or use precious vacation time to accommodate your absence. However, your schedule is generally more flexible when you work from home.

These types of events can often be scheduled around everyday tasks and virtual meetings, and you’ll likely be able to monitor your email and messages from your phone, even if you’re away from the computer.

3. No commuting required

In the U.S., the average commute time is just under 30 minutes each way, according to the Census Bureau, which means a full hour of your day is wasted sitting in the car, on the train, or on a bus. It also means you have to get up earlier to get to work on time and shell out for gas money or public transportation.

Given that traveling to and from work is expensive and time-consuming, one major benefit of remote work is that it eliminates your commute. By working from home, you’ll have more free time to spend on your own pursuits, with your family members, or even just catching up on well-needed rest.

4. Save money on clothes and food

Transportation isn’t the only cost associated with working in an office. Many workplaces have specific dress codes—be it business casual or professional—which means you have to buy clothing to wear each day. These costs can add up quickly! When you work from home, however, you can typically dress however you want, which not only results in cost savings but keeps you more comfortable, as well (all hail the offscreen sweatpants).

Food is another common workplace expense that remote workers can minimize. Many people are more likely to purchase coffee, snacks, and lunchtime meals when they’re working in the office, whereas you might already have this food available at home.

5. Working from anywhere

If you want to go visit family or take a trip for a change of scenery, it’s much easier to travel when you work remotely. For many remote employees, a laptop and internet connection are all that are needed to accomplish daily tasks, making it possible to be location-independent. You can easily work from a coffee shop, hotel, or different time zones, which gives you more flexibility to travel—without using vacation time.

Wondering what it’s like to take your job on the road? Check our blog post by Landing member Jess Goudreault, “What Is It Like Working From Anywhere?“

6. Better work-life balance

One common problem in today’s workforce is a lack of work-life balance. Many employees find that work gets in the way of their relationships with family and friends, self-care habits, and mental well-being, which can lead to burnout and other job dissatisfaction in the long term. Working from home may help you find a better work-life balance, as you’ll be able to spend more time with your family, focus on your home life, and prioritize both your mental and physical health.

7. Improved mental health

The stress of commuting and office politics can often have a negative impact on your mental health, but these factors are often alleviated when you work from home. Remote work allows you to feel more comfortable and relaxed throughout the day, and it’s much easier to remove yourself from politics or other interpersonal drama between team members that you might otherwise be sucked into if you were working in person. In the long run, this can improve your mental well-being, which in turn can lead to increased job satisfaction and productivity.

8. Fewer distractions

Many workplaces are full of distractions—studies have found that employees report being distracted the most by coworkers, in-person meetings, loud noise levels, and snack breaks, just to name a few. However, many of these office distractions are eliminated when you work remotely. There’s no one dropping by your cubicle to chat or ask if you want to get a coffee, and you can often put up a busy status on messaging platforms when you don’t want to be disturbed.

Having a hard time focusing? Check out our blog post, “Top Working From Home Distractions and How to Avoid Them.”

9. Lower carbon footprint

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, greenhouse gas emissions from transportation are responsible for around 27 percent of all U.S. greenhouse gas emissions. By eliminating your commute, you can help to reduce your carbon footprint, eliminating greenhouse gas emissions that negatively impact the environment. It may seem like a small benefit, but if everyone took steps to reduce their environmental impact, it would make a large difference in pollution levels.

10. Customizable office space

Many company workspaces are one-size-fits-all, often using cubicles or open-space layouts to accommodate employees. However, an office set-up that works for one person might not be ideal for the next. For instance, some people like sitting while working, while others like standing. Some need peace and quiet, while others prefer loud music. Because of these varying preferences, many people struggle to work comfortably in large office environments.

When you work from home, you’re able to set up a home-based office that meets your individual needs. You can furnish and decorate in a way that works for you, allowing you to work comfortably all day long. Many companies will even provide compensation for any office supplies you need to purchase.

11. Improved physical health

When cold and flu season rolls around, illnesses often run rampant through offices—especially if people aren’t able to stay home without taking a sick day. If your company has a work-from-home policy, it greatly reduces your risk of catching a cold, COVID-19, or other sicknesses from your team members, keeping you healthier throughout the year. This also minimizes the money you spend on doctor’s visits and medications.

12. Tax deductions

If you’re self-employed and working from home, there are a number of substantial tax deductions that you can take advantage of when filing at the end of the year. According to the IRS, you can deduct $5 per square foot of home office space if you operate from there full-time, and you can also deduct certain expenses such as mortgage interest, insurance, utilities, repairs, and more. However, these deductions are reserved for people who own their own business—you’re likely ineligible if you receive a W2 form from your employer.

Want to make the most of working remotely?

If you have flexible work arrangements, Landing is a perfect housing option for telecommuters who are looking to make the most of their remote jobs, giving you access to furnished apartments in over 375 cities throughout the U.S., along with flexible leases that let you continue your travels at any time. Learn more about what a Landing membership can do for you!