Opportunities for working at home have grown as computer and web technology have expanded. Just one or two days a week at home may increase employee productivity. There are many benefits for the employee as well as the employer for this arrangement. The purpose of this article is to outline the benefits of working at home and how to prepare the home worksite for comfort and safety.
Benefits to the Employer
- Lowers Office Expense – Less electricity is used during the day with fewer people at work. Fewer office supplies are needed, and there is less “wear and tear” on equipment.
- Downsizing Branch Offices – Possibly closing or downsizing branch offices which save on rent, electricity and all fixed expenses related to maintaining an office worksite.
- Fewer Unproductive Days – Taking time off for doctor’s appointments or other activities can be done on the work-at-home days. Many of these activities may take only an hour or so to complete and then the employee is back at home and working productively.
- A Happy Worker – Instead of taking one-half day off from work for a half-hour appointment, less work time and productivity is lost. There is less stress when time doesn’t have to be taken away from the office for personal or family reasons. Flexibility of the work schedule is a company benefit that doesn’t cost more, but saves money.
- Less Aches and Pains – Headaches, neck, upper back pain, shoulder and arm problems can occur from the stress and strain placed upon the worker from the daily commute. Increased stress can result in an increase of sick days and medical expense.
- Video Conferencing – This technology places the office and home work area only a click or two apart. The employee can easily join in an office meeting or discussion.
- Web Hosting – There are companies, such as GoToMeeting ©, that have remote desktop screen sharing capabilities. Meetings can be attended and productivity does not suffer from missing employees.
Benefits to the Employee
- A very obvious benefit is the savings on cost of commuting that not only includes fuel related expenses and pollution, but non-productive time to and from work. It also reduces the wear and tear on the vehicle. Less congestion on our highways and byways helps other commuters.
- With more time to be productive, work assignments may be completed quicker. This freedom for a disciplined worker can also improve mental and physical health from the upbeat attitude it can foster.
- It lowers child care costs and allows a parent to spend more time with a child or children.
- Being able to work after business hours without the stress of having to stay late at the office. Some work can be completed after the children are in bed.
- Work clothing and restaurant meal costs expenses are reduced.
- Ability to stay at home and continue working with an illness or sickness that isn’t incapacitating, but may infect co-workers and spread the disease or infection.
Making A Better Worksite At Home
- Work Posture – Sitting upright in a good supportive chair will minimize neck and back pain from poor posture.
- Laptop Computer Position – If working on a laptop, it should be placed on a table so it’s firm and stable. Changes may be needed in the design of your home work area may need changes to maximize comfort while working. Posture at the computer is important for health and productivity.
- Desktop Computer Position – Make your home work station as ergonomically efficient as your office work site.
- Exercises Are Helpful – Take a few minutes two or three times during your workday to stretch. Change posture and reduce stress to the neck and back muscles.
In summary, working at home gives you the benefit of saving money from fuel costs, day-care and taking personal or vacation time to accomplish appointments or activities. Your medical and chiropractic doctors or your dentist are more than likely closer to home than work so less time is spent commuting to appointments. This lowers stress on you and your family, which results in greater productivity on your part. The benefits of one or two days a week at home are numerous, and as you are reading this article you may already be thinking of other things that might benefit you!
Even working at home one day a week offers a significant benefit for both the employer and the employee. The money saved by each is like a raise to the employee and an increase in the bottom line for the employer. This arrangement will not work for every company, but evaluating this possibility for your company may prove to be beneficial.
The doctors at Coon Rapids Chiropractic Office have experience with providing recommendations for your home computer work site. They provide care for neck, back and extremity complaints.