The Benefits of Working from Home
Sunday, April 11th, 2010I’ve been thinking a lot lately about exactly why working from home is so important to me, and the benefits to myself and to my clients. The reasons I do it, and my own benefits, may not be the same as someone else’s. But I think these are general enough to reflect a majority of situations, not just for those in freelance or contract positions, but also for those telecommuting on a salaried position.
I believe that nearly all benefits are mutual to both sides, at least indirectly. An employer may not care one way or another if, for instance, having a private bathroom is important to me. But if it makes me more comfortable, then it makes me a better and more productive worker, and that is a measurable benefit for the employer.
I do want to point out that I don’t have a complete perspective on this - for instance, I’ve never been in the employer role in a telecommute arrangement. But I do speak from experience; I have been freelancing since 1998. But I should also point out that I’m an introvert and this is written from my perspective; many of these benefits might be outweighed by the sheer energy that extroverts enjoy when in the company of others.
