Working remotely is becoming increasingly common. In fact, a report from Gallup in 2018 found that the number of employees who work remotely or telecommute has grown by 40% over the past decade. The report also found that remote work is most popular among younger employees. That’s because remote work comes with a number of benefits that are especially attractive to Millennial and Gen Z workers.
Working remotely allows you to have greater flexibility with your schedule, which can help you cut back on commuting time and costs, balance home life and professional responsibilities more easily, and even save money on gas, parking, and other expenses related to getting to work. However, this sort of arrangement isn’t for everyone. Remote work requires a lot of self-discipline and commitment from an employee, as well as a company culture that supports it. Read on for our top 8 reasons why working remotely in 2022 might be right for you:
- You’ll Have More Flexibility and Autonomy in Your Schedule
The first and most obvious reason why you might want to work remotely is that you can set your own work schedule. Most remote positions allow you to set your own hours and telecommute when you want to. This means you don’t have to adhere to a 9-to-5 schedule that might not suit your lifestyle at all. If you have school, extracurricular activities, or other commitments outside of work, you might prefer a schedule that allows you to work around those. Or if you have obligations like caring for a sick family member, or your children, or other responsibilities you can’t leave behind, you might want to work when you have the time or energy for the work.
- You’ll Be Able to Balance Work and Home Life Easier
Working remotely is a great option for people who want to balance their professional and personal lives more easily. If you have family obligations, or want to spend more time with a spouse, significant other, or significant others, kids, or other loved ones, working remotely is a great way to cut down on your commute and make it easier to spend more time at home. If you work a shift-based job, working remotely can also be a great option for people with irregular and unpredictable hours. You’ll have the flexibility to work when you have the time for work.
If you work in an urban area, the cost of your daily commute can be exorbitant. Public transportation can be more expensive than driving a car, and taxis are notorious for being expensive. If you live in a more suburban or rural area and can’t walk, bike, or otherwise get to work without a car, the cost of gas and car maintenance can add up quickly.
- Working Remotely Means No Commuting Hassles
You might experience dread or anxiety every time you have to go to work because of traffic, construction, or other annoyances related to commuting. Many remote workers report that they are much less stressed and have less frustration with their commute than those who drive to an office every day. That’s because when you work from home, you don’t have to worry about traffic or other commuting issues at all. You can focus on getting work done and not be distracted by hassles you have no control over.
- There Will Be Greater Awareness About the Downsides of Sitting All Day
Many people who work from home find that they have a short attention span. That’s because when you’re not in an office, you are much less likely to move around. Working from home means that you have no one to remind you to get up, walk around, and take a break. If you work at a desk, you’re also much more likely to sit still for 8 hours or more without any breaks. All that sitting has been found to have negative health consequences, including a higher risk of cancer, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and obesity. It’s also been shown to lead to shorter life spans.
- The Physical Environment at Your Office Will Improve
Many remote workers report that they have a better quality of life since they work from home. That’s because they don’t have to work in an office with a bad environment. If you work remotely, you can work from a place where you have control over the physical environment. You can choose to work from a comfortable, clean, and well-lit place. You can also control the level of noise and other distractions in the room where you work. You don’t have to worry about a messy or unappealing work environment when you work from home.
- Coworking Spaces Will Become Even More Popular and Equitable
If you work remotely, you might want to gather with other remote workers from time to time. However, you might want to gather in a social setting where you aren’t competing with other remote workers. That’s why coworking spaces are becoming increasingly popular. These spaces provide a social setting where remote workers can gather to collaborate on projects, exchange ideas, and support each other.
- Virtual Reality Collaboration Tools Will Become More Mainstream
If you work with other people remotely, you might want to see their faces, not just hear their voices. That’s why virtual reality collaboration tools have been developed. You can put on a VR headset and see the faces of your coworkers, bosses, and clients. You can also use VR tools to see your computer screen when you want to collaborate on projects with others remotely. These tools make it easier to collaborate, regardless of where people are located.
- Telecommuting Jobs Will Grow, Thus Increasing Job Options for Remote Workers
As more and more companies discover the benefits of hiring remote workers, more and more jobs will be available to remote workers. That means there will be an even greater selection of jobs available to remote workers, especially if there are more regulations in place to protect telecommuters. This will make it even easier to find a job that suits your needs and schedule.
In Conclusion: Is Working Remotely Right for You?
Working remotely isn’t for everyone. It requires self-discipline, and a willingness to work independently. You also have to have the self-discipline to set your own schedule and to adhere to that schedule. You have to be willing to set boundaries with your coworkers, bosses, and clients when you work remotely. You have to be willing to invest in your own workspace and have the self-motivation to do your work. This isn’t a job for people who want to coast through their workday. However, for the right person, working remotely can save a lot of time and money, and give you more flexibility in your schedule. It can also lead to greater work satisfaction since you aren’t tied to an office, and can work in a quiet, clean environment that is free from distractions.
