More and more Chicago residents are opting to work from home as opposed to commuting to the office. While many people had no choice but to do so during the last few years, as offices reopen, many are looking to stay at home and explore what remote jobs Chicago has to offer. . A recent survey suggests that a large percentage of job seekers say that the ability to work from home would increase their interest in an employer greatly. There are many reasons for this, and they are something employers should seriously consider.
- No Dangerous Commute
Commuting in Chicago can be dangerous, especially during peak hours when everyone is rushing to the office. The morning news often highlights daily accidents that slow regular commutes. Between trying to drive defensively on crowded highways and still trying to wake up, the results can be deadly. By working from home, employees forgo these risks and instead enjoy a safer start to the workday.
- More Customizability
Many office workers in Chicago find themselves in shrinking workspaces. Working from home allows employees to customize their workspaces to suit their needs. A bigger desk, a quieter workplace, and even a desktop coffee maker can all be easily put together at home. In the office? Not so much. This level of customizability is highly desirable to many workers today.
- You Can Take Care of Yourself Better
By working from home, Chicago employees can better take care of their needs than if they were in an office space with co-workers. This is especially true if you have a flexible daily schedule that allows you to set your own hours. Workers can work for four hours in the morning, enjoy the afternoon, and then finish up another four hours at night. This allows for more time during the day to eat, take care of errands, or even attend doctor’s appointments that otherwise would have resulted in missed office time, a benefit often touted by those working remote jobs Chicago based.
- You Can Be Comfortable
Productivity can tank when employees don’t feel comfortable. Whether this means uncomfortable work environments with hard chairs and too bright lights or simply having to spend the day in uncomfortable clothes. Things like this can be a distraction that takes away from an employee’s ability to focus on work. By working from home, employees can get comfortable, or even work in their pajamas. This can also contribute to fewer sick days, as even when they’re feeling under the weather, the ability to work comfortably can mean they can still perform some tasks instead of none at all.
- Saving Money
Employees who work from home can also expect to save more money than those who commute to the office. People who work even half-time from home can save up to $4,000 a year on car maintenance, gas, parking fees, clothes, and food. Employers can also benefit by not having to pay for additional office space themselves. Being able to save more money benefits both employees and employers in this situation.
Working from home is quickly becoming the norm in Chicago, and it isn’t hard to see why. As more Chicagoans begin embracing the work-from-home lifestyle these benefits are becoming more and more obvious to both workers and employers alike. While not all jobs can be done from home, if you have the opportunity to do so, it may be worth taking it.
