Leading companies across the globe have turned to remote working and remote internships in the past couple of years. While this trend has been gaining ground for years, external factors such as COVID-19 have accelerated the process. While this might sound daunting for people who haven't worked from home before, it doesn’t have to be.
There are numerous benefits of working from home. Here are 4 of our favorites:
One of the advantages of WFH (working from home) for both employees and employers is flexibility. A flexible work schedule allows you to balance multiple commitments without feeling stressed or overwhelmed by time constraints. Those who may have previously been held back by family commitments, for example, will be able to gain professional experience and take charge of their career without having to sacrifice one or the other. This leads to greater productivity and employees with more experience in different areas, as they have more time for self and professional development.
We can all relate to feeling tired, lethargic, and unfocused at the office. We feel pressured to continue staring at our screens although we know that coming back after a walk or run would make us much more productive when working in a traditional office because we're afraid of being penalized by managers or judged by colleagues for not focusing hard enough. Working remotely allows you to create a schedule that works best for you to keep you productive and motivated. If you prefer to work early in the morning or later in the afternoon or evening, then you can optimize your time for when you feel more productive and creative since you don't need to stick to a traditional 9-to-5.
While it might seem like a minor detail, many interns and employees spend a worrying amount of time and money commuting to the office. Some experts estimate that commuting can cost as much as $2,600 a year. Plus, skipping your daily drive to work could contribute to the global effort to save our planet!
Working remotely allows you to work from wherever you are – your permanent home, your parents' house, or a coffee shop. Whether you spend 30 minutes or one and a half hours getting to the office, you can now redirect that time, money, and energy into things that matter to you, whether that's getting more work done or having more opportunities for downtime to clear your mind and gain a healthier work-life balance.
Remote working requires an extra level of proactivity and discipline. You have to take the initiative to reach out to colleagues when you need help, and communication is often more complicated remotely than in an office job. For this reason, having remote work experience on your CV indicates to employers that you are self-sufficient and able to manage your time independently. You'll be a more desirable and flexible employee as you can put your crucial remote skills to virtual positions or internships in other countries, increasing your professional experience in an increasingly global society.