Recent news about Yahoo and Best Buy ending their work at home programs have people wondering if working at home is the best method for employees. The CEO’s believe eliminating telecommuting will lead to more cohesion and productivity, however critics say it will make it harder for moms to earn a living and take care of their families. One of the best things about working for these are other companies that allow their employees to telecommute is the convenience of being at home and also performing a job. Working from home can be a blessing or a curse depending on the situation. There are pros and cons to telecommuting, but I believe the pros outweigh the cons.
The Pros
The benefits of telecommuting are numerous and ideal for working mom or dads. Being able to wake up and go to work within minutes and not have to get ready by getting dressed and combing your hair is a blessing to many. Not having to wake-up hours early to go to work can make working from home worth it. Commuting back and forth for hours a day is another benefit that can save employees money and time. Saving money is a benefit of telecommuting that is unrecognized. Virtual assistants can save money on gas, food, clothes and other job related items which could cost workers hundreds of extra dollars a month. However, nothing beats being able to work from home and be with your family and kids all day long. Many workers have to go to work for 12 or more hours a day and only see their families early in the morning or late at night.
The Cons
The problems caused by working at home is the stress of having to deal with work, home duties, family matters and children with no time to get away or take a break. Not being able to socialize with co-workers and people in general could be problematic by making you antisocial and lonely. People working from home are more likely to lack exercise because their days are filled with work and every day tasks.
Working from home allows employees to spend more time with family and have the flexibility of when and how they do a job. Onsite workers have to go through a morning ritual that could take hours and take valuable time from every day life. Being able to exclude the usual steps taken each day can lead to more happier people and families. If you can handle the stress and occasional loneliness, working from home is definitely worth it.
By S. Marie Surles, President of HEA-Employment.com