remote

For years, the 9-to-5 workday was considered standard in most industries; however, the idea of a “traditional work day” is becoming more flexible in the professional world as telecommuting and working remotely become increasingly popular.  In fact, a recently released Gallup survey found that 43% of employees had spent time working remotely in 2016; which is an increase of 4% since 2012.  Although these employees didn’t all telecommute full time, these statistics show that it is becoming a popular trend that is likely to continue due to the benefits that employers and employees are seeing and experiencing.  As telecommuting and working remotely gain popularity, it is important for job candidates to consider the benefits of working outside of the traditional office setting.

If you are unsure if working remotely is for you, consider the following reasons that many of your peers have started trading in commutes and cubicles for a more flexible position and a less stressful environment that can be found outside of the office.

 

Technology:  You may have noticed that there seems to be a direct correlation between advancements in technology and the ability to telecommute.  Along with keeping us connected from practically any location at any time, technology enables us to have face to face conversations with clients or coworkers without even being in the same city through the use of video conferences.  Technology also makes it possible to share information easily from standard devices such as smart phones through cloud technology, rather than making copies and distributing paperwork though the office.  Overall, technology gives us the option to work outside of the office without sacrificing crucial workplace elements.

Flexible scheduling:  With technology keeping us connected 24/7, strictly adhering to the 9-to-5 schedule is becoming less prevalent (industry dependent).  With telecommuting, it is possible to hold a cross country meeting after traditional work hours or even on the weekend.  This flexible scheduling can be very appealing to candidates who are working on continuing their education or have commitments that prevent them from conducting business during more traditional business hours.

Opportunities:  Rather than relocating for an exciting new job opportunity on the other side of the country, telecommuting makes it possible for you to hold a job regardless of it’s location.  Working remotely opens up opportunities in areas and states that you may have not thought about researching in the past.

Transportation:  When it comes right down to it, commuting is unpaid time that you use for work without actually working.  According to the US Census Bureau, the average commuter spends 105 hours in traffic per year, that’s 105 hours that could be used to work.   In addition to eliminating the time employees spend in traffic, working remotely also limits how much candidates spend on transportation.

Mental health:  The UK Office of National Statistics found that “commuters have lower life satisfaction, a lower sense that their daily activities are worthwhile, lower levels of happiness and higher anxiety on average than non-commuters”.  Telecommuting employees often find themselves better able to create a successful work/life balance as well as limit their stress.  In general, less stressed employees who have cultivated a healthy work/life balance are more productive.

 

As you can see, the opportunity to telecommute is destined to gain further popularity due to the benefits that employers and employees are noticing.  Stay one step ahead by considering if you would like to telecommute and make your own list of the benefits of working remotely!