Why aren’t you working from home?

Working from home is often seen as a last-minute “fix”; a reaction to an emergency: childcare, car trouble, weather or health. However, in a world of portfolio careers, digital communication and a drive for a good balance, working from home is one of the tools that a company can use to keep their team motivated and productive.

But how can you make this happen?  Be it through a flexible working request, a pitch to your manager or the reaction to a new role in your team, content is key! Whilst it is useful to have in mind why it benefits you, like any negotiation process, you need facts and figures to highlight how it can help the business reach their goals.
So, here I am, your Research Fairy Godmother!

A recent survey from The Institute of Leadership and Management has found that:

• 4 out of 5 (85%) managers feel that allowing staff to work flexibly enhances staff wellbeing and reduces overall stress
• 84% of distributed workers report improvements to their work-life balance, but a lack of team identity can cause isolation and loneliness
• 65% of managers believe flexible working encourages more commitment and motivation amongst staff

If an increase in commitment and motivation isn’t enough, there are other ways that working from home can help your employer reach their goals (plus give you the work-life balance you deserve).

Increased Productivity
Working from home doesn’t lead to less work or “shirking from your responsibility”. Many reports show that, in fact, home workers outperform those working in an office. There are fewer interruptions, no travel time and the individual can manage their workload against their personal energy levels.   Furthermore, if you working day is condensed by childcare, with an absolute deadline of the school bell, it is amazing what you can turn around under pressure!

Environmental Impact
Does your organisation have any environmental goals? Maybe one is to reduce their carbon footprint? By staff not travelling to work (and getting stuck in traffic!)  not taking up the physical space of an office and the associated IT and power, an employer can not only help the environment but also help their pocket!

Flexible Hours
Who says you have to stick to a 9 – 5? Many clients have expectations of non-traditional hours and international clients are often “waking up” when we are going to bed. Working from home gives organisations the opportunities to support their clients in a way that wouldn’t be possible in a traditional “bricks and mortar” office situation.

Staff attraction
Quite often you can see opportunities that fit your skills perfectly, however, if you are expected to be in the office every day, it is impossible for to you apply. When employers offer flexible working conditions, including working from home, within a role, it opens up a world of skilled, professional and motivated staff for your team. Just imagine the work that could be created!

So there you have it, the figures and ways that working from home can benefit you or your team. Why not trial on National Work from Home Day on 19^th May 2017.