When COVID-19 forced companies all over the world to send their employees home to work virtually, remote work had a big moment.

Yes, the rush to give employees access to all the tools they’d need to work from home was a bit, well, sudden for many employers. But after everyone settled in, what quickly became apparent to many office-based teams is that employees could be productive and focused when not in the office, in many cases, even more so. The lure of working remotely online has its advantages. Among the perks include a better work-life balance, better productivity, and avoiding those pesky commutes. As a result, many have looked towards remote work to take advantage of these perks.  Here are some of the benefits of working from home:

 1. Freedom and Flexibility
Remote workers appreciate their freedom. They can plan their day to befit both their work and home life, as long as they do the set hours at the right time. Having the flexibility to attend medical appointments, watch the kids’ basketball game, or take elderly parents shopping can lighten the load. And not having to ask special permission takes the pressure off too. 

 2. Location
Another benefit of working remotely for employees is that they can work from anywhere, have access to a broader range of job opportunities that aren’t limited by geographic location. Having no set job location means that, remote workers could also travel and live as digital nomads while having a meaningful career. People don’t have to be bound to a city that doesn’t correspond to their standards or preference.

 3. Work/life balance
The ability to work remotely offers a better work/life balance. Working away from the office can make you feel in control of your life and give you more time to plan both work and home tasks. Many remote jobs also come with flexible schedules, which means that workers can start and end their day as they choose, as long as their work is complete and leads to strong outcomes. This control over your work schedule can be invaluable when it comes to attending to the needs of your personal life.
Whether it’s dropping kids off at school, running some errands, attending an online fitness class in the morning, or being home for a contractor, these tasks  are all easier to balance when you work from home. This gives a sense of achievement and makes employees more productive.

4. Cost saving
Going to work can be expensive. You’ve got travel costs, car maintenance, parking, lunch, coffee and snacks, birthday cakes, colleague presents, clothes for work… the list is endless. Remote working saves on these expenses, which can add up to a substantial amount. This means more disposable income available for other things, which is always a good thing.

5. Peace and quiet
A traditional office is often noisy and distracting. Phones are ringing, people are talking, and there’s a general buzz. Whilst this is great from a social point of view it can be difficult to work in this environment. Some people need to work in total silence to focus. Working remotely, particularly from home, can allow for creative thinking and greater productivity. Whether there’s a great view from the window or a brick wall – silence is golden.

6. Less Commute Stress
Traffic congestion, with its noise and environmental pollution, takes a huge toll on workers' mental and physical health.
Health professionals have even linked its overall damage to the increasing rate of suicide in the city.
According to consultant psychiatrist Olufemi Oluwatayo, it's not a surprise that Lagos commuters are negatively impacted by the traffic conditions. "It is not really hard to see why employees might feel stressed, burned out or exhausted, especially in a city like Lagos," Oluwatayo says. Ditching the commute helps you support your mental and physical health. The time savings can allow you to focus on priorities outside of work, like getting extra sleep in the morning, spending more time with family, getting in a workout, or eating a healthy breakfast.