The Real Benefits of Working From Home

“Work is what we do, not where we are.” This statement perfectly sums up the concept of working from home (WFH). While many associate WFH with the COVID-19 pandemic, the trend actually began gaining momentum in the late 1990s as high-speed internet became widely available in homes.

Working from home means employees carry out their tasks remotely, using digital tools that allow communication anytime and anywhere (Heery and Noon, 2017). It offers a flexible approach to work that has become a standard part of many organisations’ operations.

Benefits of Working From Home for Employees

There are numerous advantages to WFH for employees. Research by Morganson et al., 2010 shows it can increase productivity, improve work-life balance, reduce costs, and even save between 15 and 25 workdays a year by eliminating daily commutes. For example, saving an hour’s commute each day adds up to around 672 hours annually. This reduction in travel can cut carbon dioxide emissions by roughly 1.5 tonnes, which is equivalent to watching television for over 24 years — a significant environmental benefit.

Benefits of Working From Home for Organisations

Many organisations also reap rewards from WFH. Studies such as Bloom et al., 2015 highlight that remote employees often report higher job satisfaction, which leads to lower staff turnover. Providing WFH options demonstrates trust in employees and strengthens working relationships (CMI, 2020). Trust, after all, is a two-way street.

Making Working From Home Effective

For WFH to be successful, setting clear boundaries is essential. Treat your home like your workplace by sticking to a schedule, minimising distractions from family members or pets, and creating a dedicated workspace. Self-discipline is vital — maintaining regular work routines, including dressing appropriately and avoiding non-work distractions like the television, can help maintain focus.

Without clear limits, switching off and taking proper breaks can be challenging. Setting achievable daily goals and scheduling regular rest periods supports both productivity and wellbeing.

Tracking Progress and Staying Connected

Measuring the effectiveness of WFH can be difficult, depending on the role. Many teams use project management tools like Monday.com to track task progress with status updates such as ‘in progress’, ‘awaiting feedback’, or ‘complete’. Scheduling tools like Google Calendar help organise tasks and breaks, while video calls ensure teams stay connected and engaged.

With the right mindset and tools, remote working can boost collaboration, keep teams motivated, and help organisations achieve their goals.