4.2 million of us work from home, the highest level since records began in 1998. The South-West has the highest home working rate at 17.1%, with many of these being older workers, in high paying professions. In the UK, £13.23 per hour is the average pay for a telecommuter, with construction, childminding and care work topping the occupational roles.

Let’s explore the many benefits of working from home, and how it could change your life for the better.

No More Long Journeys

Firstly, you don’t have to make that tedious commute to the workplace, saving on fuel costs, stress and having to wait for public transport that always seem to be running just a little late.

Time saved on commuting can be put towards your favourite hobby, spending time with family or just having extra time to relax. Overall, you will have more time for yourself, and that can only be a good thing.

When you work from home you can have your lunch when it suits you, however, you may find yourself putting on weight due to snacking and a lack of exercise.

Dressed for Success?

There are several practical pros and cons for working from home.  Another good reason to engage in remote work is that you don’t even have to get dressed if you don’t want to. You can sit at your laptop in your PJ’s all day if you can’t be bothered, and work from the comfort of your bed if you are feeling under the weather. No more suiting up or forking out for an expensive work wardrobe. stressing about what to wear for work on a daily basis.

Family Time

There are a multitude of personal benefits to working from home, namely the opportunity to spend more time children, whilst simultaneously saving on some childcare costs. You can be there for your family when they are ill, need some extra attention, or be available to do the school run.

A Happier Perspective

People who have more time for themselves and their children are often happier than those who struggle to meet family or personal demands, and the happier you are, the more productive and stress-free you become. A survey of 3,000 Slough-based workers found that 36% felt they were more productive working from home. Many people who telecommute feel they do a better job than if they did the same occupation in an office for example, and they are also less likely to make mistakes.

Not only can you schedule your own time, but you can also avoid office politics, which can only be good for morale and mood.

Although we can definitely see that there are many benefits to working remotely, we must remember that it can also decrease productivity for some of us. It’s all too easy to become apathetic and lazy in our approach to work, if we haven’t got a boss or co-workers spurring us on. Additionally, there are often too many distractions at home, such as TV, chores and children.

Yet overall, working from home is a rewarding and pleasant alternative to regular work, and it is possible to explore ways in which you can do it with your employer – you’ll probably never look back!

Jenny Holt is a freelance writer and mother of two. She loves nothing more than getting away from it and taking her pet Labrador Bruce for long walks, something she can do a lot more now she’s left the corporate world behind.

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Employee Experience