Social distancing to slow the spread of coronavirus kept millions of people away from the office.
While many are returning to work, some people and their employers continue to see the benefits of working from home instead. By, now, most have figured out the challenges that video conferencing and telecommuting has some real health benefits.
Less Germs
Crowded offices, buses, subway cars, and commuter trains could potentially expose you to coronavirus and other viruses. The best way to stop it from spreading is to stay away from other people. Working from home helps you do just that.
Less Stress
Work can be stressful. So can the drive if you spend most of your commute stuck in traffic. At home, you may be better able to manage triggers, like annoying co-workers or a demanding boss. That could be why one study found that people who telecommute for 8 or more hours a month are less likely to be depressed than those who don't work from home.
Better Health
Lower stress levels could also be a key to better health habits. The same study found that people who work from home are less likely to be overweight and are active. They’re also less likely to misuse alcohol or use tobacco. The short commute from the bedroom to the home office also leaves more free time for exercise.
Less stress also lowers your risk for:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Digestion issues
- Headaches
- Heart disease
- Sleep problems
- Weight gain
- Memory and concentration issues
Cleaner Air
We can all breathe easier when more people telecommute. The cars and buses that get us to work release pollutants into the air. Pollution is a serious health risk. It causes one-third of all deaths from stroke, lung cancer, and heart disease. One study found that working from home 4 days a week can reduce air pollution by as much as 10%.
The Downsides
Working from home isn't always a positive experience. The shift from office building to home office can cause problems, too. Living and working in the same place can blur the line between your work and personal life. Work may start to creep into the time you'd normally reserve for family and friends. That’s why it’s important to have clear start and stop times.
The Future of Teleworking
Working from home isn't likely to end once the coronavirus pandemic is under control. One in every four employees in the United States worked remotely in 2022. In one survey, 47% of people who worked from home said they got more done at home in less time. It’s estimated that by 2025, 22% of America’s workforce will be telecommuting. Employers also benefit because telecommuters tend to be happier and less likely to quit their jobs as a result.