8 Lesser-Known Advantages of Working From Home in 2024

Remote work significantly increased in 2020 and is still a significant part of the modern workplace. While many companies have returned to in-office operations, others still offer work-from-home positions.

This working model is attractive to employees because it removes their commute, but what are the lesser-known advantages? Here are the underrated aspects of remote work in 2024.

1. Increased Productivity

Remote work makes some people think about employees slacking off and facing more distractions. However, research has found that working from home makes people more productive. A 2022 Future Forum report revealed productivity increased by 4% when employees had location flexibility. The data also showed a 29% productivity boost with schedule flexibility — another perk of remote work.

Why are employees more productive when working from home? While activity depends on the employee, there are a few factors involved. One of the significant contributors is enhanced focus, as Future Forum research found 53% of workers with flexible schedules could concentrate better. Employees spend less time commuting and more time on their essential daily tasks.

2. Individualized Work Environments

Increased focus starts with tailoring the work environment to the employee. Remote workers have more flexibility because they can adjust their home office to their liking. While some are productive with background music, others prefer silence to boost their productivity. Employees can personalize their workspace in the office but risk distracting others or going against the office’s rules.

Another element of personalization with remote work is a decorated office. Shared spaces might not allow employees to hang artwork or plants, but a work-from-home setup lets them add personal touches. People can light scented candles, hang portraits and add other decorative elements to make their work setup more conducive to productivity. Giving workers more autonomy can lead to better results for each day’s work.

3. Personalized Indoor Temperatures

In-person offices may have conflicts over the thermostat’s temperature. Some occupants prefer it cooler, whereas others want a warm environment. If the temperature is outside a worker’s comfort range, they could become less productive. Leaders must also consider health issues when they are involved. Working from home lets people personalize their indoor temperature and maximize their comfort level.

Remote work benefits employees when they need a specific environment due to health issues. People with asthma may prefer cooler and drier air because humidity fosters mold and dust mites that aggravate symptoms. Conversely, workers with dry skin may prefer humid conditions and dislike using dehumidifiers in the office. A work-from-home setup lets the employees adjust as needed.

4. Helping Employees With Family Care

Some remote employees live alone, meaning they only need to care for themselves in the morning. However, others may live with family members who require attention if they have health issues. Working from home lets employees be close to these relatives and care for them as necessary. Paying a caregiver can be expensive for employees, so removing this cost can increase job satisfaction.

For example, a work-from-home employee lives with an aging mother who has arthritis. Instead of hiring health care assistance, the worker can help their mother prepare lunch and walk around the house when necessary. Parents also benefit from remote work because they can care for their children when they must stay home from school. In-office employees may have to sacrifice work to help their kids.

5. Better Work-Life Balance

Work can be stressful, as some positions require long hours and intense focus. While the job itself can be challenging, traveling to work can add to the stress and anxiety. A 2023 Environmental Research and Public Health study found long commutes damaged health by causing inactivity and decreasing job satisfaction. Removing the commute is only one reason workers see mental health boosts.

When employees work from home, they can achieve a better balance between their personal and professional lives. More time at home means more time with family, pets, friends and other important people in their lives. The money saved with remote work provides employees with more opportunities for financial stability. They could achieve goals like purchasing a home, thus boosting their mental health and life satisfaction.

6. Tax Deductions

Saving money on fuel costs is a significant boost for remote work. However, some workers don’t realize they can find financial incentives in other places. For instance, working in a home office earns a tax deduction for some remote workers if they are eligible. Remote work can be costly for employees because of utilities, electronics and other necessities, so this perk is vital.

How is an employee eligible for the home office deduction? The IRS says Form 8829 is available to homeowners and renters, and these taxpayers must meet certain requirements. If eligible, remote workers can deduct insurance, depreciation, mortgage interest and other critical costs. Meeting the tax deduction’s requirements means the worker doesn’t use the property as a hotel or another business.

7. Reduced Turnover

Turnover is critical for companies, as managers and HR must hire new staff annually. While this rate varies by industry, employees leaving is costly for any business. Gallup says attrition costs the U.S. about $1 trillion annually, emphasizing the need for continuity. When workers stay, company leaders can focus on the big picture instead of onboarding. Can working from home reduce turnover?

Research has demonstrated remote work increases job satisfaction and leads to less turnover. A 2022 National Bureau of Economic Research study examined hybrid work models for engineering, marketing and finance employees. The researchers found a 33% reduction in attrition for non-management staff, underscoring the value of remote work. When workers are happy, they’re more likely to stay.

8. Exercise Breaks

Sitting at a desk all day can create a sedentary lifestyle, so employees should find time for physical activity. Working from home makes exercise breaks easier by giving employees more freedom to get active. Research has demonstrated the importance of fitness, as it can boost productivity. A 2023 Personnel Psychology study found physical activity increased task focus and improved sleep quality for workers.

When working from home, people have more flexibility to exercise as desired. Pushups and situps by the desk are a great starting point, as they provide quick fitness during breaks. Other employees may find outdoor activities with their dogs to make exercise more fun on workdays. If a remote worker has a membership, they could take a midday break at the gym and return with more energy.

Discovering More Benefits of Working From Home

Remote work has remained steady since 2020, with numerous companies retaining telework policies in the last four years. Whether fully remote or hybrid, the advantages have become difficult for companies to ignore. Working from home can make employees more productive because they have more control over their lives.