1. Long-term trends predict that remote work will increase
Recent surveys and studies show that work from home jobs are on the rise. FlexJobs and Global Workplace Analytics partnered to present the 2017 State of Telecommuting. The report found that telecommuting had gone up 115% in the last 10 years. And since it’s now easier than ever to work from home, it’s all but guaranteed that the number will continue to rise.
2. It’s more affordable for both employers and employees
One of the reasons employers are ready to allow their employees to work remotely is because of the lower fixed costs per employee. Setting up a highly equipped office space costs a lot of money, so setting up virtual offices instead is beneficial to the bottom line.
Of course, working from home can also save an employee a lot of money. The cost of commuting, buying a work wardrobe, and spending money on lunch and snacks every day really adds up. It’s typically much more affordable to set up a small home office or even work from a local coffee shop.
3. Remote work does not eliminate the possibility of team bonding and a traditional company culture
One benefit of working at an office every day is the company culture you create. Friendships and good rapport are formed with your co-workers, leading to a happier team. But creating that culture is still possible when employees work remotely. Apps like Slack, Skype, and Google Hangouts make real-time meetings possible, and some companies host annual retreats or get-togethers that allow everyone to meet in person. Even creating email chains where people can converse freely will help create that sense of closeness.4. Working remotely is possible in more industries than you might think
Years ago, working from home was only possible for a few select professions, such as writing and medical transcription. These days, you’ll find flexible jobs in customer service, accounting, data entry, tutoring, and so much more. And if you’re only looking for part-time work, you’ll find plenty of flexible jobs online in all kinds of industries.5. Research shows that employees who work from home are both happier and more productive
It’s probably not surprising that people who work from home tend to be happier. Being able to do your job from anywhere is very freeing, and the absence of a commute in your life lowers your stress levels. But several recent studies, including the Global Studies of Remote Work report released in December 2018, shows remote employees are actually more productive as well. The study experts surveyed over 3,000 employees in 23 countries across six continents, finding that the ROI of flexible jobs is real and here to stay. A top finding was that people who have the opportunity to work remotely are more likely to feel content and productive in their roles. And since happy, productive employees tend to stick around, this is great news for employers as well.![Woman stands at desk](http://s40188.p1443.sites.pressdns.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/iStock-1138222225-750x450-1.jpg)