No matter where you stand on the topic of remote work [1], it's hard to deny just how popular it's become. A new study states that 70% of employees are working remotely at least once a week [2]. For many, moving away from the traditional 9-5 is a huge blessing, especially at a time when keeping employees happy and motivated is so important to business growth. Though some businesses have a fear that their workers are merely slacking off in their pyjamas at home, the truth is that a remote working environment breeds productivity and solid results [2].
So, at the end of the day, is remote work all it's cracked up to be?
The morning
No commute? No getting ready in a haste? Massive bonus. The time spent getting to your office is often highly draining, and when you can funnel this energy into your work instead, then happy days. True, apps like Office 365 are very useful for work on-the-go [3], such as in airports or public transport, but when there's a train strike in the middle of winter, then there's not much to rival working remotely.
The work environment
Your own home is likely to be a place that's comfortable and quiet for you. It's a big plus not having to hear colleagues talking loudly or being around that one employee who always seems to be sick. The only downside is not having anyone to bounce ideas off or a nice catch-up over a quick kitchen break, but when the majority of the day is silent and cosy, then who's really going to complain?
Productivity
Getting info on projects and communicating with your colleagues via email or instant chat programs like Microsoft Teams, Slack, or Skype, is simple enough and doesn't change the way most modern offices function, but the only difference is how focused and productive you'll be away from the standard workplace. The truth is that you're usually not working more but neither are you working less, you're simply working better. Without your head having to worry about distractions or commutes, there is definitely more mental space to work on better ideas and have an improved workflow at home.
Perks
Taking a nap or walking the dog during your designated lunch break are much more preferable activities than eating lunch in the office cafeteria or queuing up at Tesco to buy a half-price meal deal. The option to do small workouts or yoga stretches, things simply not possible in the office, are ideal for a post-lunch boost and are obviously better than the lethargic feeling after a long, heavy lunch. There are downtimes, of course, just like there are when you're in an office, but you can get through them much easier when you're in your own space.
Even when it's merely once a week, working remotely is great for morale and has clear physical benefits, too. If you're a business which hasn't instigated remote working yet, then what are you waiting for?