5 Reasons Why Working at Home May Increase Your Productivity

The Great Resignation, aka the Big Quit, has spotlighted working from home since the pandemic. According to the US Department of Labor, over four million Americans quit their job in April 2021 alone, making it the largest one-month increase in history. And while some of those workers may have left for better opportunities, it’s safe to say that many left because working at home has become the new normal.

There are plenty of reasons to love working from home. You can save money on things like commuting and business lunches. You can take advantage of flexible hours and work around your family’s schedule. And you don’t have to worry about office politics or water cooler small talk.

But one of the best things about working from home is that it can increase your productivity. As we all know, productivity is key to success in any career. And there are a few reasons why working from home may be just the boost you need to get ahead.

#1: You Can Create Your Own Perfect Environment When Working at Home

Working from home means you’re in charge of your surroundings. So if you need complete silence to concentrate, you can have it. Or, if you prefer background noise, you can easily find a playlist that suits your mood.

You’re also in control of the temperature, the lighting, and the furniture. So if you like to work at a standing desk or take frequent breaks to move around, you can easily do so. You might be tempted to stay in your PJs one day or take a mid-day nap, but you can also dress for success and create an environment that makes you feel productive.

These factors can make it easier to focus and get work done instead of wasting your energy and time on things that don’t matter.

#2: You Can Avoid Distractions When Working at Home

In an office, there are always distractions. Maybe your cubicle neighbor is chatting on the phone, or someone’s playing music too loudly from their computer. Maybe there’s a fire drill or impromptu happy hour.

And don’t forget office politics, which can be a huge time-waster. Whether you’re dealing with gossip, cliques, or passive-aggressive co-workers, it’s easy to get caught up in the drama and forget about your real job.

When you work from home, you can avoid all of these distractions and focus on what’s important: your work. No one will interrupt your conference call or ask you to join the latest office betting pool. You can close your door, put on headphones, and get down to business.

#3: You Might Have More Energy When Working at Home

Do you ever find yourself dragging at work? Feeling like you can’t focus or get anything done? If so, you’re not alone. According to an external survey from Deloitte, 77% of respondents say they have experienced employee burnout at their current job.

There are a lot of factors that can contribute to burnout, including long hours, low pay, and lack of job satisfaction. But one of the biggest culprits is commuting. Commuting can be a huge time-suck, and it can also be stressful.

If you work from home, you can avoid the morning commute and all associated stress. And, since you’re not wasting time sitting in traffic or riding the bus, you might have more energy to get things done instead of wasting your time or feeling exhausted.

#4: You Can Take More Breaks When Working at Home

When you work from home, it’s easy to take breaks whenever you need them. Maybe you want to step away from your desk to make lunch or take the dog for a walk. Or perhaps you need a few minutes to clear your head and relax.

It can be harder to take breaks in an office when you’re surrounded by co-workers who are working through their lunch hour or taking calls after hours. But when you work from home, no one will give you funny looks if you step away from your desk for a few minutes. So if you need a break, go ahead and take one. Get up, walk around, and return refreshed and ready to work.

Taking a break doesn’t mean you’re slacking off. In fact, it can actually help you be more productive. Stepping away from your work for a few minutes can help you clear your head and come back with fresh ideas.

#5: You Can Take Advantage of Flexible Hours When Working at Home

One of the biggest benefits of working from home is that you can usually set your own hours. If you’re a night owl, you can work later into the evening. Or, if you’re a morning person, you can start your day at dawn.

Of course, some jobs require you to be available during specific hours. But even then, you might have some flexibility in when you start and end your workday. And if you need to take a few hours off for an appointment or errand, it’s usually easier to do so when working from home.

Bonus: You Might Be More Productive Without Realizing It When Working at Home

You might be more productive without even realizing it when you work from home. Studies have shown that people who work from home tend to take fewer sick days, are less likely to quit, and are more engaged with their work.

So if you’re looking for a way to increase your productivity, working from home might be the answer. Of course, it’s not for everyone. But if you find that you’re struggling to focus in an office or looking for a way to reduce stress, working from home could be the solution you’re looking for.

Do you work from home? What are some of the benefits you’ve found? Let us know in the comments!