The latest on all kinds of information, news, and resources that help you make working remotely better.
5 Arguments to Convince Your Manager to Let You Work From Home | Jack Turner, Tech.co
If you want to make the jump to working from home, here’s five solid reasons to help you make that argument to your manager.
1.You’ll be More Productive
There have been many, many studies that show productivity actually increases when employees are allowed to work from home.
A tech.co exclusive study revealed that 64% of remote businesses report high productivity levels compared to 54% of in-office businesses. Check out the full report. Another study conducted by ConnectSolutions found that productivity was up 77% among remote workers, with 30% saying they actually achieved more in less time.
2. You’ll Live Longer
The value of sleep to our health has been long established, so it makes sense that if you’re working from home, you can justify not getting up early for the commute, and spending a bit more precious time between the sheets.
A study in 2022, by Bloom, Han and Liang showed a strong correlation between remote working and getting more sleep.
This is great news for remote workers (and their bosses), as separate studies, such as this one published by PLOS Medicine, show that those aged 50+ who sleep five hours or less, had a 30% higher risk of chronic illness compared to those catching seven plus hours of shut eye a night.
3. You’ll Put in More Hours
What if you didn’t need to rush to try and beat other commuters in traffic, or worry about squeezing onto the slightly less crowded train? Studies have shown that when freed from the restraints of the typical work day, workers choose to work longer. Surely music to any bosses ears?
Here’s the data to back that up. A report published by the National Bureau of Economics found that US workers who worked remotely saved, on average, 55 minutes a day on their commute.
And how did they choose to spend this saved time? Working. Well, some of it anyway. The study found that on average users spent 42% of this time on work, with 35% spent on leisure time, and 8% caregiving.
4. The Company Will do Better
Picture the scene. You grab five minutes with your manager, and want to make the best argument possible for working from home. What better opener than ‘me working at home will help the business grow’? Well, maybe you should start with ‘hello’, but this is definitely something we feel you should kick off your pitch with.
A study by Flex Index showed that in a 12 month period, companies with between 500 and 1500 employees who offered hybrid work, grew twice as fast as those that didn’t.
5. It Could Save the Planet
Many companies in 2024 are drastically looking to lower their carbon footprint, from reducing the need to print and going all-in on digital, all the way to creating brand new office spaces that put eco needs first, and lean heavily into alternative energy sources.
If your company is one of these (and lets face it, it should be!), then there’s a very quick solution you can offer to your boss that will allow them to alleviate some of the guilt they feel about their company’s impact on the planet.
That solution is (drum roll please) working from home! I mean, of course it, after all, that’s what this whole article is about, but trust us, we can help you back it up with actual science.
A study from peer-reviewed journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS) in 2023 found that “remote workers could have a 54% lower carbon footprint compared to onsite workers.”
Not only that, but hybrid workers that are working from home between two and four days per week could also cut emissions by between 11% and 29%.
It’s not too hard to see why fewer cars on the road, and less people in the office would help lower carbon emissions. We think it’s one of the strongest arguments you can make for remote working!
How to Increase Employee Engagement in 2024 | Young Entrepreneur Council, Inc.com
While the benefits of boosting employee engagement may sound great, finding ways to do it is where the real challenges lie. The trend toward hybrid and remote work environments makes it trickier to build relationships. When connections aren’t there, organizational cultures can fall apart and commitment levels can plummet. Read on to discover three effective ways to improve employee engagement.
1.Make Career Development Personal
Designing customized career development plans with each employee’s input shows you don’t discount your people’s ambitions. Getting rid of policies that restrict lateral moves also helps. Someone may get hired for a specific role but soon discover that it’s not a good fit. Tenure requirements may prompt them to look elsewhere when they’d rather stay. Encourage open conversations instead, and be an advocate for your employees so you can achieve mutual goals.
2. Centralize Collaboration
Making up for the lack of in-person contact with centralized communication hubs is enormously helpful. You can use these hubs to supplement other collaboration tools, such as instant messaging, videoconferencing, and project management apps. Hubs give staff members one place to connect with potential mentors and ask questions of people outside their departments.
With centralized hubs, workers get a chance to discover career opportunities and learn what’s happening in the organization. They can also become members of employee resource groups supporting various interests, such as those advocating for a higher percentage of women and minorities in leadership. A centralized communication hub can pave the way for employees to build relationships and get assistance in virtual environments so they don’t feel as isolated.
3. Think Beyond Basic Benefits
Conventional benefits like health insurance and time off are necessary, but they may not be sufficient. More than likely, many companies in your industry meet these baseline worker expectations. As an employer, you can go beyond the basics and determine what perks your staff will appreciate. Examples of not-so-conventional benefits include the ability to bring pets and children to the office.
Daycare costs and pets with separation anxiety can be top drivers behind the need for flexible work arrangements. Consider on-site pet and child care or monthly stipends for those who need them. Other less conventional benefits might include financial and legal guidance, such as access to a financial adviser. Stress management programs and access to therapists are additional perks that are often appreciated. Talk to employees to find out what they want and need.
Increasing Employee Engagement in the New Year
Increasing employee engagement is eminently doable, but there isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach. What motivates each of your staff members is going to be as unique as they are. At the same time, there are common threads, such as the need for career development plans, social connections, and holistic benefits.
Incorporating and personalizing these approaches will demonstrate your commitment to your employees’ success. The basics of reciprocity apply here. If you want employees to be engaged and motivated, you have to be, too.
Fostering work-life balance when working from home | Cathy Hobbs, Telegraphherald.com
Here are some recommendations for creating an ideal blend of work and relaxation under the same roof.
- Create a separate area for work. Ideally this should be a separate room, but if you can’t, creating a work “zone” that is separate and distinct will help.
- Take frequent breaks during the day. Once in the morning, around lunch and before the end of the day is ideal.
- Spend some time outdoors. Taking time for a breath of fresh air will help instill a sense of calm.
- Infuse soothing colors to create a sense of calm. Pure white, neutrals and soothing blues can help.
- Incorporate greenery. Trees and plants can go a long way in helping a space feel modern, fresh and calm.
- Try to incorporate nature and natural elements.
- When possible, utilize natural sunlight or infuse as much light as possible into a space. Sunlight can help to calm the mind.
- Consider incorporating scent or fragrance. A calming effect can come from “soothing the senses.”
- Experiment with mirrors. Mirrors help to reflect light and can act like windows in a space.
- Use wood and wood-like elements. This can help to “ground” a space and help to make it feel cozy.
Wake up and win: Unlock your best self with these morning habits!
The decisions you make in the wee hours of the morning can mean the difference between a lazy day and one where you take on obstacles head-on. These 6 morning routines will help you wake up feeling refreshed and invigorated.
Hydrate your way to vitality
Pour yourself a full glass of water to start your day. This is a potent health drink, not just an ordinary routine. Drinking water after a night of sleep gives your body the hydration it needs, speeds up your metabolism, and removes toxins.
Rise and thrive
Give up the snooze button and commit to a regular wake-up time. By doing this, you control your circadian rhythm, which enhances the quality of your sleep and gets rid of that grogginess in the morning.
Move it or lose it
Exercise increases metabolism, improves mood, and sharpens cognitive function. It can be as simple as stretching, yoga, running, or a quick workout. Choose the exercise that works best for you and get your heart rate up for a vigorous start.
Zen out with meditation
Take a mindful pause in your morning for 10 minutes of meditation. Whether it’s focused breathing, guided meditation, or simply finding a quiet moment, mindfulness helps calm your mind, reduce stress, and elevate your focus.
Master your day with planning
Making a plan in advance aids in time management by averting distractions and putting off tasks. To ensure a focused and intentional day, write down your priorities in a journal or with a planning app.
In a nutshell
Maintaining fitness and health involves a balanced approach. Regular exercise, such as brisk walks, jogging, or yoga, promotes physical well-being. A nutritious diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains is vital. Prioritize hydration and get adequate sleep for overall well-being. Minimize stress through relaxation techniques like meditation or deep breathing. Avoid excessive consumption of processed foods, sugary drinks, and sedentary behaviors. Regular health check-ups are essential for early detection of potential issues. Strive for a healthy work-life balance, and cultivate positive relationships. Consistency in these habits fosters long-term well-being and a vibrant, healthy lifestyle.
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