Reimagining how one's day can be structured, and how that can easily vary from one 24-hour period to the next, is empowering. The freedom and flexibility that comes with all-remote enables employees to view work in an entirely new light.
Rather than forcing one to build their life about a predefined daily schedule that involves an unavoidable commute, all-remote shifts that responsibility back to the individual.
A number of studies from the likes of Google, Buffer, FlexJobs, and IWG show that driven individuals who place a high degree of value on autonomy and flexibility can experience new levels of joy and productivity in an all-remote environment.
Benefits for all-remote employees
It’s important for employees to truly take advantage of the freedoms and possibilities enabled by remote, rather than simply remaining where they are and switching an office desk for a room in their home. This is the core benefit of remote as compared to work-from-home.
Consider relocating to a lower cost-of-living environment, and look to integrate work into life rather than vice-versa. Remote work enables you to optimize for things like superior air quality and medical facilities, a healthier community environment, and better schools for your children. All of this requires premeditated action — to embrace the reality that work is now decoupled from geography.
In the home, aim to create a dedicated working space (or work from a coworking space, external office, or cafe). It’s vital to intentionally separate work and life to prevent burnout. Moreover, don’t stop engaging with people. You may not fill your social quota entirely from work interactions, which enables you to pay closer attention to family, neighbors, and community opportunities.
Be intentional about replacing your recovered commute time. Whether it’s fitness, cooking, cleaning, spending time with family, or resting, be deliberate about reclaiming that time and using it to improve your overall wellbeing.
- You have more flexibility in your daily life (for kids, parents, friends, groceries, sports, deliveries).
- No more time, stress, or money wasted on a commute (subway and bus fees, gas, car maintenance, tolls, etc.).
- You can optimize your life for superior air quality and medical facilities, a healthier community environment, and better schools for your children, rather than access to onsite jobs.
- Reduced interruption stress and increased productivity.
- Ability to travel to other places without taking vacation (family, fun, etc.).
- Freedom to relocate, be location independent, or even travel with other remote professionals.
- It can be easier to communicate with colleagues remotely, reducing distractions from interpersonal drama or office politics.
- You can set up and decorate your office or workspace in whatever way works best for you.
- You can choose your working hours based on when you're most productive.
- You have the opportunity to meet and work with people from many locations around the world, widening one's view of the world and creating opportunities to learn about new cultures.
- Eating at home is better (sometimes) and cheaper.
- Work clothes are not required.
