There’s a lot of noise around the prospect of working from home lately and there are a lot of myths to debunk. Given the fact that remote jobs are increasingly popular, staying informed is not only advisable but necessary. So, here are five questions about remote jobs, answered.
1. What are the benefits of working remotely?
→ Remote workers save more money compared to office workers
A recent study found that remote workers can save up to $7,000 every year, due to less expenses related to traveling, food, and clothing.
→ They are also less stressed and keep a better work-life balance
In a study done by Owl Labs, many employees mentioned they feel more relaxed working even one day outside the office. 86% of respondents in the survey reported that working remotely has lowered stress levels and boosted overall health.
→ Working from home is more flexible
It’s no surprise that Buffer discovered that 40% of people who work remotely are feeling a higher degree of flexibility and this is one of the major advantages of remote jobs.
2. How productive are remote workers?
Harvard business review reported an increase of 13.5% in productivity when the employees of Ctrip’s call center were permitted to work remotely.
The fact that home employees need to be self-disciplined and are able to work at their own pace has proved to be beneficial in terms of productivity. Many confess that they can stay more focused than in their office, especially if they are home alone, and that not having to look ‘busy’ all the time is actually making them more relaxed and more able to focus on what really matters.
3. Is working from home affecting your psychological health?
In a study among 1,100 workers, it was discovered that the 52% who worked from home were more likely to feel like an outsider, as well as unable to deal with potential conflicts between themselves and colleagues. While having coffee or talking about the latest TV shows with your colleagues can be missed when working remotely, there are some strategies that can prevent feelings of isolation and loneliness. Daily calls, meme groups, and sending cool pictures with your pets or meals can make a tremendous difference. Another advice that comes directly from experts is developing rituals and having an organized plan every day. To-do lists and 30 min workouts prove to be great catalysts for good vibes and increased productivity.
4. What are your odds of getting a promotion as a remote employee?
It depends. The team at the RPI Lally School of Management has found that telecommuters in 2020 obtain just as many career opportunities as office employees. But this is strictly linked to the type of working culture of each company. If your organization contains mostly remote workers, your chances of being offered a promotion is higher than in a company that is just starting with the remote culture idea. Other key factors are your level of involvement, how productive you are, what key assets you bring to the company. So, if you’re a remote employee and think you deserve a promotion, a smart move would be to ask your boss for it. Speak your mind and see where that takes you.
“Remote is becoming less career restrictive. More employers are willing to have conversations with employees and candidates to have remote be an option. More so, companies are adopting remote as part of their company culture vs remote just being a work from home option.” – Matt Nguyen from GitLab.
5. What does the future look like for the remote workspace culture?
GlobalWorkplaceAnalytics.com data shows that regular work-at-home, among the non-self-employed population, has grown by 173% since 2005. Only in the US, remote jobs have seen a 115% increase in the last few years. So it goes without saying that telework is likely to become an even bigger thing.
“There seems to be a growing acceptance of remote working. All the stats suggest it is on an upward trend, and many jobs are well suited to it. Our team works remote and we love it, though there are some challenges to overcome… but that’s no different to working in an office.”, said Chris Lakey from Vestd.
Conclusion
In an era of innovation, remote jobs are a natural way in which the modern workplace is evolving, and they will probably gain more popularity in the upcoming years. For now, working from home is a luxury many would dream to have and a blessing for those who already enjoy its multiple benefits.
