Why Do UK Employees Like Working From Home So Much?

So many of us have gotten very accustomed to working from home in the past two years as lockdowns initially forced it.

However, many employers and employees alike have taken a shine to the Working From Home life – with many now expecting it to remain in place in some form or other for a long time to come.

So why are people opting to forego the office? And will it last once the pandemic is well and truly over?

1. Better work-life balance

Of course, the most obvious benefit for so many is the absence of a daily commute. A study from online sign printing experts instantprint found that the average UK worker has an hour extra on their hands by cutting out the commute.

Reading a book, learning a new language, going to the gym – or just a bit longer in bed! – it’s up to you how you use that time.

It also gives people more time to spend with their families, with routines such as evening mealtimes and breakfast not feeling as rushed and stressful as they previously did.

2. Location flexibility

Pre-lockdown many of us had our employment options limited by where we lived – or had our living options limited by where we were employed!

Now with the rise of remote working, companies are keener than ever to take on new starters who might not come into the office as often – or at all.

The importance now is matching the right candidate with the right job, so your dream career move might not be far away!

3. Money-saving benefits

The lack of a commute, no expensive town-centre dinners, childcare costs dropping – the money-saving benefits of working from home are clear.

Some of this is balanced out by some rising costs – such as household electricity and heating bills. However, the majority of homeworkers are found to have saved overall.

Once you’ve saved up enough cash you might even be in a position to find a new home with dedicated office space, too!

4. More independence with your work

Not having colleagues prying over your shoulder can give you a greater sense of freedom to complete tasks and projects the way you feel is best. 

This can be a great way to show that you’re an outside-the-box thinker and could even lead to a promotion in the future or you discovering a new way of doing things!

5. More productive in your work

Not having colleagues around you might actually make you better at your job as those little chats at the kettle or the printer fall by the wayside.

It’s still important that you reach out and feel connected to your colleagues, so don’t be a stranger!

But giving yourself more opportunities to get your head down and really focus on something in your own little WFH bubble might lead you to becoming recognised as one of the hardest workers in the (virtual) room!

Will people WFH forever?

Several big companies – especially in America – are giving their employees the option of choosing to work from home permanently.

Many industries, especially those in tech and online spaces, have actually found success during the pandemic as their services were lockdown-proof.

Employees who were able to contribute to that boom have likely proved that they don’t need a manager breathing down their neck in order to perform and have earned the right to flexible working life!