Careers

I received a message from a headhunter and was interested in the job they offered. Therefore, I went through my usual procedure—researching the company and reading employee reviews. One particular review caught my attention. The reviewer, who praised the company, said that the only drawback he encountered was that the company did not have many branches around the country, which he furthered, was a detriment because many employees were working from home. He said that while home can be a comfortable workplace, it would still be best for employees to work in an office setting due to the following reasons:

1. 1. It makes them focus more on tasks and be more productive.
   2. It allows employees to socialize with their colleagues.

I understand the reviewer’s perspective and respect his preferences. However, as someone who has been working remotely online for over 18 years, I disagree with his point of view. Working remotely has advantages that some employees might find more enticing than working in an office setting. In this article, I will lay out the advantages of working from home based on my experience.

Benefits of Working from Home

Working from home may not be everyone’s cup of tea, and I understand that. However, for me, it has brought about a host of benefits that I never experienced in a traditional office. These are personal benefits, unique to my situation, but they might resonate with you too. Here are some of the advantages I’ve enjoyed since I started working from the comfort of my home.

• • Better productivity

    Working from home is not without interruptions, but it increased my productivity. Without the need to socialize with colleagues every now and then, I can focus more on my work. My environment is quieter, and I do not need to please people around me during work hours.

• • Enhanced work-life balance

    I can juggle work and personal life better as a remote worker. Working from home allows me to work where and when I am most productive. I can rest any time I want. So, when I feel like my brain’s taking a break, I could chill a little, do some household chores, play with my kids, or do some other tasks until my brain’s in top shape again. I don’t have to force myself to perform when my brain’s not at its peak. Of course, this may not be possible if your employer requires you to install a time doctor or any time-tracking app on your computer.  

• • Convenient and cost-effective

    By working from home, I can save time and focus more on completing my tasks, as I do not need to commute. I can also save on daily fares or gas.  

• • Lower absences due to sickness

    I do get sick sometimes even when I work from home. But unlike when I work in an office, I don’t usually file for a leave of absence. Instead, I continue working as long my body allows it. This means no salary deductions as I am still able to render work hours as expected.

• • Better mental and physical health

    One of the best perks I enjoy as a remote worker is that I am able to maintain better mental and physical health. Especially with flexible working hours, I can squeeze in some time for exercise and personal health development in between work schedules. Also, I don’t have to worry about office politics as I am alone in my home office, doing work the best I can to satisfy my clients or employers.

It is essential to note that work preferences are deeply personal. Some thrive in the office environment, while others, like myself, find their productivity and comfort levels peak when working from home. Both arrangements have their merits, and each of us needs to find what works best for our unique circumstances. 

What about you? Do you prefer working from home or in a traditional office setting? Let me know in the comments below.