Advice for Office Workers Dreaming of Working from Home

[FamTimes reporter Yoon-ha Cho] Recently, many office workers have been seeking a better work-life balance. Fortunately, a growing number of companies understand and accommodate these needs among their employees. As a result, more people are working from home, while companies are also reaping clear benefits.

Here are the advantages and disadvantages for office workers who dream of working from home.

Advantages

1. Not only can you save on commuting expenses, car fuel costs, road taxes, and parking fees, but you also do not have to stress about what to wear.

2. You can use your working hours flexibly and adjust aspects of your work environment, such as indoor lighting and temperature settings, as you please.

3. You are protected from the various distractions you might encounter at the office.

4. You have more time to spend with your family. This is especially helpful if you have young children or an older adult who needs care. You can also respond quickly to emergencies.

5. Working from home can increase productivity.

6. When working from home, you can take better care of yourself by going to the gym or taking a walk.

Disadvantages

1. Because the workplace is where you can meet new people and make friends, working alone at home may feel lonely at first.

2. Children or neighbors may sometimes interrupt your work.

3. At times, household chores may cause you to neglect your work. You need to keep your company work and household tasks clearly separated and handle them accordingly.

4. The comfort of home can make you lazy. Some people are more productive when they have a supervisor or colleagues monitoring them.

What matters is producing the results the company wants, rather than where you work. In fact, working from home can also be a way to make the fullest use of your abilities.

Finally, if you work for a company close to home and do not have to endure traffic congestion, be grateful.

Reporter Yoon-ha Cho, fam9@pcss.co.kr