Posted by Baylee
Are you eager to get back into the office? It’s no secret that COVID-19 has caused about 42% of the U.S. labor force to be working from home full time. I’m sure at the beginning it felt a little odd not going through your daily routine, grabbing coffee, and dropping the kids off at school. We are now rolling out of beds and onto our laptops, working in sweatpants and the longest trip we take is to the kitchen and back. I’ll be honest, I am.
A part of me misses going into the office every day. I had somewhere to be and it got me out of the house, but there are a few reasons that working from home has been a blessing for me as well and I’m sure for many other individuals in my same shoes.
Aside from staying safe during these uncertain times, I am spending less time on the road commuting to the office every day that I have saved money in gas and wear and tear on my car. Studies have shown that the average American who drives to work spends 54 hours per year stuck in traffic. What will you be doing with all this extra time you have now? Possibly fitness.
It was probably harder to incorporate a workout into your schedule when you needed to be up to get the kids and yourself ready for the day and still get on the road to get to work in the morning. Now that there is no drive time required in your routine, utilizing those minutes towards a light workout may be the way to go. You don’t necessarily need a gym membership or any at-home gym to get active, simple house chores are a great outlet such as laundry or cleaning. I know my house is much cleaner lately.
I mentioned saving money in gas and wear and tear on my car from not commuting earlier, however, there are more ways you are saving money that are less obvious. A professional wardrobe, lunch purchases, daycare, and parking fees are other ways that working from home is beneficial. Not all benefits are only for employees of course. Many companies are saving in overhead and real estate costs by sending their employees home. According to Global Workplace Analytics, a typical company can save around $11,000 per year for each employee who works from home.
And possibly the most important benefit of working remotely; work-life balance. Remote employees tend to be happier and more loyal employees causing them to take fewer sick days, increase their productivity, and allow them to take more time for hobbies, interests, and family.
While I’m sure some are eager to return to the office and back to their normal everyday lives, take a step back and look at the big picture, at all the good that is happening due to you being able to work from home. You’re saving money, getting healthier, and even happier with your work life. Enjoy this time and don’t wish it away just yet.
Sources:
- https://news.stanford.edu/2020/06/29/snapshot-new-working-home
- economy/https://www.nytimes.com/2020/05/05/business/pandemic-work-from-homecoronavirus.html
- https://www.flexjobs.com/blog/post/benefits-of-remote-work/