Benefits Of Working From Home (7 Examples And 9 Drawbacks)

Updated 2 June 2023

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. If you are interested in pursuing this employment model, you may benefit from knowing about the several advantages it typically provides. In this article, we examine what are the benefits of working from home, explore what it means and review some drawbacks.

What Is Working From Home?

Working from home or working remotely refers to a work arrangement where an individual completes their job out of the office and in a setting of their choice. This model of employment is becoming increasingly prevalent across several domains and industries that are conducive for its success. Technology enables professionals to work from different locations and collaborate effectively, eliminating the need for a physical space for coworkers to congregate. WFH arrangements can be beneficial for both employees and employers.

Related: What Is Remote Work?

7 Benefits Of Working From Home

Here are seven benefits of working from home:

1. Reduced commuting time

One of the biggest advantages of working from home is the significant reduction in time and stress associated with commuting. For many people, a daily commute can take an hour or more, leaving them with less time to focus on their personal responsibilities and interests. By eliminating challenges like traffic while getting to the office, remote work provides more time in the day to do other personal or professional duties. Eliminating the need for commuting can also reduce physical activity for many people, which can result in health issues.

One simple solution to this problem is to incorporate some form of exercise into your daily WFH routine. For example, you can take your pet for a walk in the morning to replace the exercise of walking to the train or bus station, or you can take a quick stroll around the block or take your lunch break at a nearby park. By making exercise a routine aspect that complements your professional duties, you can improve your physical and mental health while still enjoying the benefits of remote work.

2. Increased productivity and performance

When you work from home, there are typically fewer distractions than in an office environment, resulting in increased productivity. As you no longer commute, you have more time available to work each day. To maintain productivity, it is important to set up a designated office space in your home to help signal to others that you are working.

This could be a separate room, a corner of your living space or, even a table or desk in a quiet area of your home. Once you have identified your workspace, customise it with the necessary equipment and tools you require to do your job effectively. Having a designated workspace can help establish a sense of routine and structure, and can also help separate work from personal life.

3. Improved work-life balance

Remote work often comes with flexible schedules that enable you to structure your day according to your preferences, as long as you complete your work on time and with high quality. This flexibility provides the opportunity to pursue activities that keep you engaged and happy, which can improve your work-life balance, reduce stress and enhance overall well-being. While creating a WFH schedule, it is ideal to prioritise your personal needs and interests, like hobbies, exercise, family and friends.

4. Custom work environment

One of the benefits of working from home is the ability to create a workspace that fosters personal productivity. You have the flexibility to choose the furniture, noise levels, view and location that works for you. It is important to make sure your workspace is comfortable and conducive to productivity. It is essential to ensure that your home office space is ergonomically correct to avoid discomfort or injury.

5. Flexible schedule

Remote work allows you to establish a work routine that suits your personal preferences and needs. You can take breaks as and when you require, which can help you stay energised and focused throughout the day. To make the most of your remote work experience, consider using the money you save to fund any pursuits you are passionate about, like certifications, workshops, classes, personal projects or travel.

6. Improved focus

One of the benefits of working remotely is the ability to create an environment that allows you to stay focused and be more productive. Working from home eliminates many distractions that often arise in an office environment, allowing you to accomplish more in less time. To optimise your productivity while working remotely, consider using productivity apps on your smartphone. These apps can help you stay organised, manage your time effectively and track your progress towards daily, monthly or weekly goals.

7. Increased mobility

Another advantage of working from home is the flexibility to live and work from any location. Without the requirement to report to a physical office, you can choose to relocate to be closer to family, live in an area with a lower cost of living or reside in a location that you may prefer for other reasons. By leveraging the benefits of working from home, you can build a healthy work ethic, while maintaining the flexibility to live in locations that are ideal for your personal pursuits.

Related: How to Work From Home Online

Drawbacks Of Working From Home

These are some drawbacks of working from home:

Mutual interference of work and personal life: When you work from home, it can be difficult to establish boundaries between your work life and personal life. Without a clear separation between the two, you may overwork yourself, which can lead to burnout and increased stress.
Lack of social interaction: Remote work can be isolating, especially for those who are used to working in a busy office environment. Without face-to-face interactions with colleagues, it can be challenging for many to build relationships, collaborate effectively and maintain a sense of belonging.
Distractions: Home environments typically have distractions, including children, pets, household chores and visitors. These distractions can make it challenging to stay focused and productive during work hours, leading to decreased efficiency and a lower quality of work for some individuals.
Technology issues: Working remotely often requires the use of technology, such as video conferencing software and cloud-based collaboration tools. Technical issues such as poor internet connectivity or computer malfunctions can disrupt workflow, and have the potential to increase stress.
Potentially reduced career growth: In some industries, employees who work remotely may have limited opportunities for career advancement in comparison to their in-office colleagues. This can be due to a lack of visibility or access to leadership, or simply due to a preference for familiar individuals who are physically present in the office.
Lack of structure: While working from home, there is often less structure and routine compared to working in an office. This can make it difficult to stay motivated and productive, and can also lead to feelings of disorganisation or overwhelm for some individuals.
Reduced collaboration: Collaboration with colleagues can be more challenging when working remotely, especially when it comes to brainstorming and problem-solving, which may not progress according to a fixed schedule. This can lead to a lack of creativity and innovation in some projects, and initiatives.
Home office setup: Setting up a home office can be costly and you may not have the space, or resources to create a dedicated workspace. Without a proper home office setup, some individuals may find it challenging to stay organised and focused during work hours.
Communication barriers: Communication can be more challenging while working remotely, particularly if team members work from places in different time zones or have limited access to technology. This can lead to miscommunication or delays in project timelines.