Who Said Remote Work Makes Employees Less Productive?

Steve Taplin
4 min readFeb 24, 2023

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It’s a common misconception that remote work makes employees less productive. Research has shown that remote work can increase productivity. Here are four reasons why working from home might make you more productive.

More Control Over Your Environment

When you work from home, you can create an environment conducive to productivity. This means you can eliminate distractions and create a space that helps you focus on your work.

You can start by ensuring you have a proper workstation setup. This means having a comfortable chair, a right-height desk, and good lighting. You should also make sure your workspace is free of clutter and distractions.

Another way to control your environment is to set boundaries with family and friends. Let them know when you are working and available to talk. It will help minimize disruptions and help you stay focused on your work.

Gives You More Time for Research

Working from home gives you more time for research and planning. This is because you don’t have to commute to and from work.

You can use this extra time to read the technology industry news, learn about new technology, or plan your next project. This research and planning will help you be more productive when working.

The Ability to Set Your Schedule

When you work from home, you can set your schedule. It means you can work when you are most productive. For some people, this might mean working early in the morning or late at night.

You can also take advantage of flexible scheduling to accommodate personal commitments. For example, you can schedule your work if you need to pick up your kids from school or take them to soccer practice.

Of course, it is essential to be realistic about how much work you can get done in a day. But having the ability to set your schedule can help you make the most of your time. You can do a few things to manage your time effectively when working from home.

First, start by creating a daily schedule. Decide when you will start working and block out time for breaks and lunch. Then, stick to that schedule as much as possible. It can also be helpful to set deadlines for yourself. It will ensure you use your time efficiently and stay on track with your work.

Finally, make sure you take the time to step away from your work occasionally. Take a break to walk around the block or relax for a few minutes. This will help you avoid burnout and stay refreshed and focused on your work.

No Commute

When you work from home, you eliminate the need to commute. This can save you a significant amount of time and money. The average person spends 26 minutes commuting to and from work each day. That adds up to 10 hours each month. And if you live in a city with heavy traffic, that number can be even higher.

In addition to saving time, working from home can save you money on gas and parking. If you take public transportation, you can save even more. The Hurricane Harvey study is relevant because it shows that remote work can increase productivity.

The study found that employees who could work from home were more productive than those who had to commute to and from work. The study also found that working from home saved employees significant time and money. It’s especially true for people who live in cities with heavy traffic.

Increased Flexibility

Working from home can also be more flexible with your time. This means you can take care of personal errands or commitments during the day without using vacation time or a leave of absence. Many software engineer remote jobs allow for this.

For example, if you need to go to the doctor or pick up your kids from school, you can do that during the day without taking time off from work. This allows you to engage in different things, such as studying for a degree, taking care of family responsibilities, or even starting a side hustle.

What matters most is completing the tasks at hand, regardless of how you do them. Whether you work from home or in an office, focusing on getting the job done is essential. Some people may be more productive in a quiet space with no distractions, while others may work better when people surround them. The key is being consistent with your job.

There are many benefits to working from home, including setting your schedule, avoiding the commute, and having increased flexibility. However, being realistic about how much work you can get done daily is essential. Make sure you create a daily schedule and stick to it as much as possible. Also, take breaks throughout the day to avoid burnout.

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Steve Taplin
Steve Taplin

Written by Steve Taplin

Steve Taplin is the CEO of Sonatafy Technology (www.Sonatafy.com), a leading nearshore software development firm. Steve also writes for Forbes & Entrepreneur.

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