17 Benefits for Employees Working From Home (Plus Tips)

Many companies are now giving employees the option to either work from home or in the office. Depending on your industry and preferred work environment, working from home (WFH) could make you a more effective and efficient employee. 

In this article, we explain what working from home is, explore 17 benefits of working remotely and offer tips to make the most of those benefits.

Related: Ultimate Guide to Work-Life Balance

What is working from home?

Working from home, often called telecommuting or working remotely, refers to a work environment where an individual completes their job out of the office and in an setting of their choose. It took hold during the COVID-19 pandemic but has been embraced by many as the workplace of the future. Through the development of technology, the option to work from home (WFH) is becoming available in a variety of companies and industries. WFH is proving to be beneficial for both employees and employers.

Related: What Is Remote Work?

17 benefits of working from home

There are many advantages for employees who can work remotely, including:

1. Less time spent commuting

For many people, a daily commute takes an hour or more out of their day. When you work from home, it removes the need to struggle through crowds and traffic to get to the office, giving you more time in the day to do the things you need and want to do.

Pro tip:  Try to work some sort of exercise into your daily WFH schedule. For example, you take your pet for a walk to replace the exercise of walking to the train, bus station or across the parking lot.

Related: What Is Telecommuting?

2. Increased productivity and performance

Working from home often results in a higher level of productivity because there are fewer distractions. Since you’ve freed up the time getting to and from work, you have more time to work each day. 

Pro tip: To ensure you stay productive as you might in an office, set up a designated office space. It will also signal to others that when you’re in that space, you are working and would appreciate few interruptions.

Related: 7 Challenges of Working Remotely and How To Overcome Them

3. Improved work-life balance

Many WFH positions offer flexible schedules so you can structure your days as you choose as long as quality work is completed on time. This allows you the freedom to do things that make you happy. You can also improve your work-life balance by enjoying your free time instead of being too tired for work. Instead, you can create a schedule that reduces stress and fits your life and priorities instead of the other way around.

Pro tip: Learning when to say “no” can be essential to your work-life balance. Make sure you have the time before seeking additional work. If you don't think you can take on another task, explain why to your boss and thank them for considering you.

Related: Ultimate Guide to Work-Life Balance 

4. Ability to stay connected

Even though WFH means you’re out of the office, you can remain connected with coworkers through applications and video conferences. Stay connected with teammates and leadership by making a goal to communicate with them at least once per day. You can also stay connected with:

• Online training

• Virtual meetings

• Regular feedback

Pro tip: Plan for a “no meeting” or “quiet day” one day a week so you can handle received emails, correspondence or projects with limited interruption from coworkers.

5. Custom work environment

When you work from home, you can choose the exact environment that fosters personal productivity. Your desk, chair, noise level, view and even your location are all adaptable so you can create an environment that works with your life. You can customize your home office by:

• Setting the thermostat where you want it

• Playing your favorite tunes at your preferred volume

• Organizing your office to meet any medical or special needs

Pro tip: Make sure your home office space is ergonomically correct. Standing desks have been popular since studies have shown that sitting for long periods can be bad for your health. 

Related: 7 Tips for Laying Out Your Home Office

6. Healthier choices and lifestyle

When you work from home, you have more control over the food you eat. Instead of snacking on chips from the vending machine, you can choose a healthy snack from the refrigerator. WFH also allows you to take a break or stretch, activities that are less acceptable in a traditional office setting. Overall, working from home allows you the freedom and flexibility to create a healthier lifestyle.

Pro tip: Long hours in front of a computer screen can put a strain on your neck, back and shoulders. Add time to stretch or do yoga exercises like downward dog or child’s pose to target any pain or stiffness.

Related: 20 Tips To Maintain a Healthy Work Routine

7. Less time spent in meetings

Video and audio conference calls allow workers to connect easily, regardless of location. Members of these meetings can easily share documents and comments through messaging or by turning their audio function on. Ultimately, these types of meetings are often shorter than in-person meetings because:

• There are fewer interruptions.

• It minimizes idle chatter.

• Everything needed is easily accessible.

Pro tip: To help prevent “Zoom fatigue,” try eliminating unnecessary meetings or turning off your camera for an “audio only” video call.

Related: Virtual Meetings: A Guide To Meeting With the Team Remotely

8. More environmentally friendly

With the need for a daily commute eliminated, that means that you are using less gas and therefore decreasing your carbon footprint. Additionally, the energy needed to run an office's air conditioning and lighting is much more than the energy it takes for your house. 

Pro tip: Set aside the amount you’d usually spend on commuting costs and use it for a night out, trip or something special for yourself.

Related: 20 Green Careers for the Environmentally Conscious

9. Change of scenery

Working remotely usually means that you can also work from anywhere. A change in scenery can help you feel more inspired. Whether it's the coffee shop down the street or one on the other side of the globe, you will still have access to your work. This flexibility will allow you to travel or even move without affecting your employment. If you want to work elsewhere, here are things to consider:

• Adequate internet connection

• Privacy with few distractions

• If you can’t go to a different location, try working in a different room?.

Pro tip: Change up your routine by working in a different location or setting once a week.

Related: 23 Jobs You Can Do From Anywhere in the World

10. Less need for sick days

Working in an office while sick can be difficult, but it's much more manageable if you can work from home. If your company doesn't distinguish between paid time off (vacation vs. sick days), this will ultimately result in you having more time for a vacation. Health benefits from WFH include:

• Avoiding illnesses passed around the office

• Ability to create healthier habits

• Preventing spreading your own germs when you get ill

Pro tip: While you may feel you can still work from your laptop or computer, be sure and take time to rest and recover.

Related: How To Make Time for Self-Care While Working From Home

11. Save money

When you work from home, you can save money by eliminating the need to:

• Buy lunch or coffee

• Purchase office attire

• Pay for commuting

Pro tip: Ask your employer if they offer any reimbursements to offset recurring WFH-related expenses like higher electricity bills or a higher-speed internet package.

Related: 15 Essential Tips for Working Remotely (Plus Benefits)

12. Flexible schedule

Working remotely usually means that you can develop a routine that works best for you. You can take breaks whenever you need them and then return to work re-energized and more productive. You might consider the Pomodoro technique to ensure you take breaks. 

Pro tip: Set aside the amount you’d usually spend on a coffee or lunch and use it for a night out, trip or something special for yourself.

Related: 11 Online Jobs for Work Flexibility

13. Improved focus

Because you can choose or create an environment that works for you, your focus and productivity will improve. Without the distractions of daily office life, you will be able to accomplish more in less time. It also eliminates some of the elements that lead to a hostile or negative work environment. This is because there is usually less gossip and office politics among remote workers. 

Pro tip: Take advantage of your smartphone technology and download a productivity app or two. 

Related: Find Out About Useful Time Management Tips and Advice 

14. Increased mobility

Working from home gives you the freedom to move where you like. Since you aren’t tied to a physical office, you may choose to relocate to: 

• Be closer to loved ones

• Live in an area with a lower cost of living

• Make a home in your dream location

Pro tip: If you have to move frequently for your partner’s work, a WFH position may be a great way to pursue your own career without having to start over with each move. 

Related: 11 Tips for Moving Abroad for Work

15. Wear comfortable clothes

Most remote workers will agree that being able to wear comfortable clothing is a definite WFH advantage. Whether you wear pajamas all day or put on exercise clothes to keep you active as you work, your outfit will likely be much more comfortable than the business casual clothing that you often need in an office. 

Pro tip: Dress in office attire when you have a teleconference. It will help you convey a sense of professionalism and focus on the meeting topic. Keep in mind that others will see you from the waist up or so.

16. Increased job opportunities

With ever-evolving technology, WFH roles are on the increase. Remote positions also open up job opportunities for individuals with limitations to working in traditional roles. The ability to work from anywhere can also mean an increase in available jobs in industries like technology, health care and education. 

Pro tip: While many careers require you to work in person, there are plenty of others that you can completely do from the comfort of your home.

Related:100 Best Work From Home Companies

17. Increased job satisfaction

Benefits like flexible scheduling and work-life balance tend to promote higher job satisfaction for individuals working from home. Other factors benefiting from satisfied employees include:

• Higher employee morale

• Less turnover

• Positive company culture

Pro tip: Just like when in the office, overworking and burnout can occur when working remotely. Set a time to log on and log off to help balance your work and home life.

Related: 7 Challenges of Working Remotely and How To Overcome Them