What are the Benefits of Working from Home?

Late last week, I came across a post on LinkedIn from a gentleman explaining that whilst attending an event, he was nervous about being asked, “So, where are you based?” because he was unsure of the potential stigma upon announcing that he worked from home, not in an office.
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With Work from Home week coming up from the 15th – 21st January, I decided to explore this a little further to identify the benefits of working from home. 

I’ve been working from home since 2013, when I started Admin Angels UK and left my previous office-based position. I personally prefer to work in silence or with light background music to keep me focused, especially when working on creative tasks. In an office space clamouring with the sound of telephones, voices, doors opening and closing, and the endless gossip and chatter from co-workers – it was my own personal nightmare.

Now, things are completely different for me. I have a dedicated home office, with the option to work in other rooms of the house or even outside if the mood takes me.

Here are a few of the reasons why I love working from home:

• Optimum Productivity – We all work best at different times. It’s a fact. Some of us work better in the morning, others the afternoon, some people even prefer to work late in the evening. Working from home gives you the option to work at the times when you’re most productive.

• Change of Scenery – Working from home gives you the option to shake things up. Some days you might prefer working from your dining room, kitchen or living room instead of the office. On days where the weather is fair, working outside is a fantastic way to get some much-needed fresh air. In truth, not having a fixed office space presents you with greater opportunities to travel. As long as you have a strong internet connection and access to a telephone service such as Skype, which can be used all over the world, you have more options to work while you travel.

• Better Work/Life Balance – Working from home can give you more time to do the things you love. Why not squeeze a workout into your day, allow yourself additional time to prepare nutritious meals, set yourself a specific finish time or non-working times so that you can socialise and enjoy time with family.

• Minimise Office-Based Distractions – You can control your distractions. There’s no chatter, no interruptions – it’s just you and your work.

• Optimised Work Environment – Optimise your environment to improve the way you work. You can wear comfortable clothing, listen to music for concentration – customise your environment to suit you.

• Productivity Breaks – Taking regular breaks helps to boost your focus and performance. If you’re suffering with a creativity block or stress over a particularly problematic task, taking a short break, going for a walk, even making a drink can help clear your mind so that you can re-approach the task with fresh eyes.

• Reclaim Commuting Time – With the British commuter spending on average 45 minutes each day commuting to and from work, the longest commuting time in Europe, working from home allows you to reclaim that time and spend it on something much more productive. What could you do with an additional 3.75 hours each week?

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• Reduce Your Carbon Footprint – Working from home removes the need to travel, meaning that you can reduce your carbon emissions, and save money too!

I’m not suggesting that working from home is for everyone. Some prefer working in an office, it works better for them personally. They might enjoy gathering their thoughts and plans for the day during the morning commute and de-briefing their brain on the way home so that there’s a clearly defined start and end to the working day.

Do you work from an office or from your home? Which do you prefer and why?