5 Benefits of Working From Home

1. Zero commute – Time can be reinvested

Australians who commute to and from full-time employment spend an average of four hours and ten minutes commuting per week. Not only do these hours add up, they also don’t guarantee you arriving to work on time or returning home at a reasonable hour. The software company Deputy, analysed over 400,000 shifts for a report which revealed that 40% of them were started late, and over half of these workers claim that traffic and public transport were the cause.

With no morning commute, both employees and employers can have peace of mind knowing work will be started on time and without commuting delays that are out of their control. With these hours reclaimed, more time can be spent easing into the mornings, spending some quality time with the family, enjoying some morning exercise, or simply jumping online early to get a productive head start on the day.

In a Human Resources Development (HRD) study, stats reported that 42% of people claim they are working longer hours from home than in the office. Though longer hours are not necessarily encouraged, being in the comfort of your own home whilst working overtime or work simply having the opportunity to work more flexible hours proves to show great benefits to all involved.

Work / Life Balance

Bearing this in mind, it is important that your home office is set up in such a way that you can create a good work / life balance. Putting healthy boundaries in place so that you create separation from work and have appropriate time to switch off each day. We recommend forming a defined office space within your home, as this will assist you to establish what areas are for work, and what areas are for relaxation and family time. Ideally a space where you can shut the door and be well and truly done for the day.

2. Better work life balance – Increased happiness and flexibility

With the daily commute to work cut out, additional flexibility is achieved, and more time can be spent on personal commitments. This might mean, making it to a 5:30pm gym class, being able to pick up the kids from school or even enjoying just a few more hours sleep.7 out of 10 Australian respondents in an HRD report believed that their work-life balance had improved thanks to remote working, with a staggering 86% saying they had a greater appreciation for life outside their workplace.

COVID

COVID was an extreme case in forcing many professionals to either permanently or part-time work from home, and this hybrid model of blending both work types has become a preferred arrangement among many workplaces. In 2020, a report during COVID by Swinburne University of Technology Australia, found that only 10% of employees believe they will not work from home in the future. Given the favourable WFH statistics, explore efficient home office setups to sustain a flexible lifestyle, benefiting from the continued work-from-home trend.

3. Increased savings allow the opportunity to invest money elsewhere.

A surprising yet exciting statistic that has come to light with increased remote working, is the cost savings for both employees and employers.

Australia ranks second as the most expensive public transport in the world, with an average of $104.00 spent per month. Tie this in with personal expenses for lunches, clothing, makeup/ hair products, etc. Australians spend a lot of money to get to and from work and present themselves appropriately, each day.

For employers, leasing costs and utilities are the two main sectors that can be slashed. CBRE notes rising vacancy rates amid and post-Covid, signalling corporate downsizing for cost-cutting and adjusting to the growing remote lifestyle. With fewer employees in the office, optimizing a smaller footprint reduces rent, utilities, and our environmental impact.  It’s a win-win.

Both parties should invest these extra savings wisely to ensure they don’t compromise the work-life balance at home. Many companies now reimburse employees to set up their home offices effectively, a positive trend in supporting remote work. After all it really is in everyone’s best interest that you are in a comfortable environment.

According to the ATO, additional running expenses include electricity, internet, phone costs, and depreciation of plant, equipment, or furniture. If you opt to work from home, the rate is 52 cents per hour, with a higher rate if directed by your employer.  Discuss with your employer and accountant to maximise available tax benefits, ensuring you capitalise on potential financial advantages effectively.

4. Fewer interruptions – Increased productivity

With increased open plan office designs, interruptions are becoming part and parcel of everyday life for many Australians. On average, workers experience three interruptions per hour. Every 20 minutes, an interruption, a question, a phone call or loud noise will interrupt you in the office. Working from home reduces workplace interruptions and fosters focused hours, benefiting both the employee and the employer. With fewer disruptions, you can complete tasks more promptly and in a more concentrated environment.

Tips for success

Ensuring your home office design allows for this focused time is essential. Home-office distractions like social media, household chores, family interruptions, or noisy neighbours can disrupt focus. The reality is that there will need to be a few ground rules to set you up for success. Invest in an efficient home office setup instead of using the kitchen bench, TV, sofa or bed. Focus better on your tasks. Consider these implementing these three tips:

1. Establish a focused zone to minimise distractions, fostering a routine akin to an office environment for increased productivity and concentration.
2. Consider setting work hours so family and friends can respect that time and not just drop unexpectedly. This includes giving you some accountability too so you don’t decide to bake a loaf of bread instead of working!
3. Shower, get out of your pj’s and do your hair. Embrace a vibrant feeling to transition from the cosy home vibe to fresh morning energy, setting the stage for a successful day. They say that the way you spend the first hour of your day will set you up for the rest.

Flexibility is valuable; however, establishing a clear structure ensures optimal success when working from home, combining adaptability with organisation.

5. Increased comfort levels – Personalised office environment

Hot Desking is an extremely popular trend sweeping many Australian offices. In Human Resource Management’s survey of 1,000 hot desking office workers, 67% expressed anxiety about daily seat availability, highlighting challenges in the setup. Transitioning to a home-based setting enhances comfort and eliminates the time spent searching for a seat, streamlining the work process.

Comfort

Comfort is key when it comes to efficiency and productivity in the workplace. Remote work offers comfort through clothing, temperature control, and personalised spaces. Studies reveal a 14% productivity boost linked to employee well-being Comfortable clothing and temperature can only take you so far when working remotely. Consider enhanced storage, personalised worktop, ergonomic chair and desk, and a dedicated, uninterrupted work zone, tailored exclusively for your needs. This recipe fosters relaxation, boosts productivity, and crafts a personalised work experience, enhancing your physical and mental well-being effectively.

Final thoughts

This list could go on and on and on. Working from home is no phase or fad and comes with innumerable benefits for both employees and employers. Investing time and effort to set up an appropriate space ensures everyone secures and experiences all the advantages. WFH is here to stay, and we are here to help you turn that into a reality.Get in touch with us to start the design process today. Transform any space, large or small, into a lasting, ergonomic work haven for your long-term enjoymentReferences:

1. https://australiainstitute.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/DP78_8.pdf
2. https://www.deputy.com/blog/why-are-so-many-australians-late-to-work
3. https://www.smh.com.au/business/small-business/the-upside-of-being-interrupted-at-work-20210304-p577v8.html
4. https://www.hcamag.com/au/news/general/pandemic-has-improved-work-life-balance/235640
5. https://www.cbre.com.au/about/content-feeds/expert-opinions/articles/rising-sydney-office-incentives-aim-to-lure-tenants
6. https://travel.nine.com.au/latest/australia-expensive-public-transport-globehunters-research/bbc22fa0-1987-4832-85bc-37cd9a5024ad

2. Katrina Chambers4. Joyelle West