When it comes to working from home, the same benefits are often touted like saved money, reduced commute times, lack of in-office distractions. But, there are benefits which don’t often get mentioned as much as they should.
Only one car needed
Prior to the pandemic like many working families, we had two cars. When the pandemic set in and I went from 3 days remote to 5 days remote, our second car sat unused collecting dust (and bird droppings). Going forward I knew going into the office would be a rare thing, so we sold our second car and put it towards our renovations.
Never miss packages
Prior to only sporadically being at home, I would often miss packages. Because I wasn’t always in the office either, getting them delivered to the office wasn’t exactly an option either. Since working from home full-time, I’ve never missed a delivery.
No after work drinks
Depending on the industry you work in, you might be familiar with the concept of after work drinks where everyone goes out usually on a Friday and has a few drinks together. I love a good beer or single malt as much as the next drinker, but not everyone drinks and it can get expensive (especially here in Australia).
You get sick less
If you work in an open plan office, chances are you’ve experienced at least one wave of office sickness. Sadly, not everyone thinks to stay home when they are sick and in open offices especially, sickness runs rampant like colds and flus. I’ve been working full-time remote and haven’t been sick once in that time (and I have kids in kindergarten).
More time for exercise
When you go into an office, unless you wake up super early, working out can often be impossible and by the end of the day, you’re usually exhausted and easily excuse yourself from exercising. Working from home means no commute, so more time to exercise before work or even on your lunch break.
More emphasis on important communication
As a developer, I have experienced my fair share of distractions and they’re usually in the form of meetings which are mostly pointless or do not really benefit me in any way. Being remote means that communication goes from being this always-on thing to only being a scheduled and crucial thing, so people can think about who needs to be involved and in what.
Reduced expenditures
Working in an office (unless you have free meals and an in-house barista) you’re more inclined to buy takeaway coffee and eat out at lunch. Here in Australia, you can pay $5 for a takeaway coffee and $20 for a cheap takeout meal from a Thai place.
More time with your family
The pandemic struck at a crucial time in the life of my family, my daughter who is now 1.5 years old was growing up and I have been fortunate to not only see her first steps working from home, but seeing her play and interact. I also get to speak with my wife and watch my kids play, it’s a nice change and the moments I usually would miss, I don’t.
Pants are optional
While I am a big proponent of getting ready like you’re going into the office, some days you just want to be comfortable. I don’t mean sit at your computer completely naked (unless you want too), but you can wear shorts or even sit in boxers if you want. Even if you do a video call, people can’t see below your bottom half (unless you show them and please don’t).
