Work From Home Jobs and Work-Life Balance
Since the COVID-19 pandemic started, working from home has become a common way for employees to work. But is it really possible to work from home without sacrificing work-life balance?
There are a number of benefits to working from home, including the lack of commute, but it requires self-discipline and focus.
Flexibility
Many workers who seek work-life balance have a desire for flexibility in their jobs. The freedom to set their own schedules and create a workspace free of distractions can help them maintain focus on tasks while also achieving a healthy work-life balance.
Companies that embrace flexibility are able to offer better opportunities for employees to meet their needs, which improves employee satisfaction and retention. When a company offers a flexible workplace, they can also save on overhead costs.
A work-from-home job can be just as flexible as a traditional office job. For example, a virtual assistant is a popular type of work from home position that allows an employee to provide assistance with a wide range of projects.
This flexible arrangement can be beneficial for people who have children or aging parents to care for, or it can be a good fit for someone with a disability. Having a more flexible work schedule can also help if you have health issues, such as mental illness or PTSD. A recent study by FlexJobs and Mental Health America found that people with more flexible work arrangements report better mental health than those without flexibility.
Better Work-Life Balance
Whether they are working from home permanently or temporarily during the pandemic, people in teleworkable jobs tend to have a better work-life balance. This could be because of the reduced stress of commuting or the lack of office politics and other distractions. They may also be able to focus more on their personal goals such as spending quality time with family and getting into shape.
However, it’s important for those in work from home jobs to be able to separate their professional life and household chores from their personal ones. If the lines get blurred, it can lead to burnout and mental health issues.
The good news is that a healthy and happy workplace can improve team morale and productivity. Companies that invest in a flexible and collaborative culture, with opportunities to work from home for all or part of the time, can benefit from higher employee retention and an improved business reputation. This is especially important for employers with a limited talent pool, as the ability to offer flexible work options can attract more qualified candidates.
Increased Productivity
When employees can avoid distractions like long commutes, they’re more focused and energized throughout the day. This makes them more productive, even if they are feeling under the weather. Working from home allows employees to work when they’re sick, which can prevent the spread of illnesses and allow them to maintain their employment status.
Working from home enables more people to find jobs that fit their skills, interests, and lifestyles. This means that people from a variety of backgrounds can pursue careers that align with their personal goals, whether it’s teaching kindergarten, being a carpenter, or working as a nurse. It can also make it easier to continue a hobby or passion project, like baking, rug-making, skating, or reading.
In addition, working from home can give employees the freedom to improve their health by cooking at home and hitting the gym more regularly. This can also save them money on groceries and transportation. With flexible work, workers can also enjoy a better quality of life in the suburbs by saving on the cost of commuting to big cities and living closer to family.
Increased Creativity
Work from home jobs can be especially beneficial for creative roles like web developers, therapists and teachers. Without the distraction of a commute or colleagues, these professionals can focus on ideas and tasks that require imagination. They can also take more time for breaks, which is important to fostering creativity. In addition, identifying an area in the home to be reserved for work can help employees ‘wall-in’ their workspace and reduce the blurring of work and personal life.
Creativity can also be encouraged by collaboration. When working remotely, employees can use tools that allow for virtual brainstorming sessions and encourage sharing of unique perspectives and insights. Additionally, managers should ensure that remote employees are paired up with coworkers who have different cultural and experiential backgrounds to stimulate creative thinking and generate innovative solutions.
Finally, when employees are able to avoid commuting and office costs, they can save money that can be used for anything from a new hobby to saving for retirement. This can make a big difference for many, especially those in lower-income communities who may not be able to afford city living prices and the costs associated with work-from-home options.
Better Health
Between the Metropolitan Museum of Art, some of the best pizza in the country, and working from home opportunities at major companies like Yahoo, New Yorkers have plenty of options to choose from when it comes to finding a work-from-home job. For those looking for a more traditional in-office experience, there are also plenty of opportunities at companies like Dell and Barnes & Noble.
While these jobs may require a physical presence, they still offer plenty of benefits such as flexible schedules, a better environment for those who struggle with anxiety and depression, and a more stable income. With more people looking for work-from-home opportunities, it’s important to keep an eye out for these positions as they come available.
For those searching for remote opportunities, be sure to check out the AARP job board. Searching for variations of the same job title can help you find positions that are a good fit for your skill set and lifestyle, and it’s important to stay active on social media to connect with potential employers who may be hiring.
