by Bethan Davis
May 9, 2023
New research shows the majority of employees are set up to work from home at least some of the time. Will remote work become standard practice in corporate America?
The number of employees working from home has dramatically increased since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, and some companies have chosen to allow their employees to work from home (WFH) indefinitely.
The Freedonia Groups conducted a study examining consumer insights and trends regarding work-from home activity. It found that the percentage of respondents selecting the option “I Usually Work From Home Most or All of the Time” had increased from 17% in May 2020 to 38% in December 2022. In December 2022, the majority of workers were still working remotely on at least some level: the study found that 69% of employed respondents were set up to do their normal work from home regularly, or on a part-time basis, or when needed.
The physical and mental health benefits of working from home as well as cost effectiveness for both employers and employees have made this option quite appealing, and a viable solution for workplace stress and burn out. Will working from home become the new normal?
According to Mental Health America, mental health can be affected by commute stress and distractions in the workplace, both of which are alleviated by working remotely. A survey conducted by FlexJobs, found that “In fact, the impact that work flexibility (things like remote work, flexible hours, and reduced schedules) can have is so great that 97% of people say that having a more flexible job would have a ‘huge’ or ‘positive’ impact on their quality of life.” Remote work also allows people more independence, flexibility, and comfort while working, which can increase motivation and productivity.
There are many ways in which WFH employees can stay healthier than the average in-office employees. Employees working from home usually consume far less fast food than those commuting to work, which can improve their overall health. (Of course, this shift could have a detrimental impact on the fast food industry as well).
Another health benefit of working remotely is decreased germ exposure. The risk of exposure to COVID-19 caused the number of remote employees to explode over the last few years, but those employees are also protected from other viruses and bacteria they would encounter on their commute and in the office. Possibly the best health benefit is reduced stress! Consistent heightened stress levels can cause insomnia, headaches, high blood pressure, and reduced immunity to illness.
Working from home can save employees money in various aspects of their lives. Some car insurance companies charge lower premiums for those who do not drive to work, and consumers in families with more than one vehicle can sometimes downgrade to one vehicle, which is good for their wallets and the environment.
Eating out less is not only good for employee’s health but also saves expenses. WFH employees do not have the expense of clothing specifically for work or personal office supplies, décor, etc. While the cost of electricity, internet, and other utilities may increase slightly for employees making the switch to remote work, the savings will most likely outweigh those costs.
Allowing employees to work from home can be a financially smart move for many businesses around the world. A remote workforce does not require office space and utilities, coffee and kitchen supplies, or occasional meals. Working remotely often makes employees more productive, which supports the company overall. Remote hiring also allows employers to choose from a much wider range of candidates and to choose those with higher talent to better advance their company.
In addition, offering the benefit of remote work could lead employees to be more loyal to their employer. The Freedonia Group found that those who primarily work from an office are more likely to report that they plan to change jobs in the next 12 months compared to those who primarily work remotely.
While companies are still adjusting to a world changed by pandemic, WFH has become a welcome change for many employers and employees.
To read more about the new work from home culture, check out The Freedonia Group’s report US Work-From-Home Consumer Insights.
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