Should you take advantage of remote work options at your job?

Remote positions were once seen as a lesser form of work. Usually relegated to freelancers, they offered few benefits and little security. But now, traditional employers are seeing the many benefits to giving employees remote work options. If your job is giving you the chance to work from home a few days a week, should you consider doing so?

The benefits to workers

A major benefit of remote work is that it offers a balance between home and work life. No more commuting means more flexibility to spend time with family and friends. Depending on your employer, you may have more wiggle room in creating your daily schedule.

Many people find it easier to be healthy when working from home than in an office. Even workplaces that offer things like on site gyms and meal services may not facilitate the healthiest choices. It’s easier to fit in exercise while working from home. Having a fully stocked kitchen makes it easier to make healthy meals.

Working from home can also help you save. Whether you would normally drive or take public transit, you no longer have to spend money commuting. Plus, if you are working from home, you can write off your home office as an expense when doing taxes. The savings over the course of a year can really add up!

The downsides

However, not everything about remote work is amazing. Communication is harder than it is when you are speaking with people in person, especially if your team becomes spread out geographically.

The social aspect of remote work is dimmed as well. While the workplace can have its drama, working from home has the potential to become isolating. To make up for this, you may need to look into other options for maintaining a fulfilling social life.

Finally, when you work from home, it can be difficult to keep work and home life separate. Thanks to smart devices and email, many employees already feel like they are on the clock even when they are home. But when your home and your office are one and the same, it could be harder to draw the line between the two.

Ultimately, if your employer gives you the choice to work from home a few days a week, or even full time, carefully weigh the pros and cons to decide what’s best for you.