Here at HubbleHQ, we work hard to find businesses the perfect office space to suit their company and culture, but we also see the importance of working away from the office. We know that an office environment doesn’t suit every entrepreneur, side hustler, or employee, and not everyone can be in the office from 9-5 due to personal commitments and responsibilities.
This is why we think it’s important to offer flexible work options and support team members in finding a work routine that suits them. Tom Watson, HubbleHQ Co-founder and CTO says: “It is more productive for some people to work remotely occasionally, and have the freedom and control to work around their own personal schedules. We have fostered a flexible culture, not one of monitoring but one that is centred on output. We expect people to be available via Slack and video call but beyond that, as long as the work gets done and our employees are happy, we don’t mind where the work takes place.”
In this blog, we will highlight some of the key benefits of working from home from time to time. So, whether you’re a business owner, an employee or a freelancer, check out these reasons why working remotely can be hugely beneficial to your personal and work life:
Remote working gives employees more agency and a better work-life balance
Not everyone can commit to a 9-5 working day due to personal obligations and responsibilities. This is particularly true for people who have to care for someone else and they need autonomy to work around their needs.
Kelly, HubbleHQ Customer Success Manager, has two children under the age of four, so she chooses to work from home: “It means I’m able to be around for the little ones and I don’t have to spend time on a long commute. I’m so fortunate to work for a company that understands the need for work-life balance and who have been able to support me with my request. I love that I’m able to be around for nursery pick-ups and make meals for the family still. Being a working mum means I put myself under a fair amount of pressure to keep things running on all fronts, so feeling like I’m still present for my family whilst still contributing effectively to my team at work is a great feeling.”
One size doesn’t fit all
People respond differently to different environments. Whilst some of us thrive in an office environment and can’t fathom getting work done surrounded by home comforts and a stocked fridge nearby, others might really struggle to stay focused amongst office chatter and other distractions. Your productivity and overall success depend entirely on your preferred work style. Flexible working allows individuals to play to their own strengths, and ensure maximum output – which is beneficial to employers.
Reduction in commuting time
“I love being crammed onto a stuffy train every morning on my way to work” said no one ever. Commuting is often stressful, and it takes up time that could otherwise be spent working or doing something more productive. This is particularly true for those who live in the suburbs and have to travel for hours to get to work.
Plus, cutting out your commute can help to reduce your impact on the environment. According to the Office of National Statistics, the average carbon footprint of an office worker is 1.5 tonnes of CO2 per year, compared to the 865kg footprint of a home worker.
Increased talent pool
Offering flexible working is a powerful way to access wider pools of talent. Companies that offer remote working can hire the best talent regardless of where they are in the world. Whether that’s Britain’s older workforce or the younger generation who place greater emphasis on work-life balance than previous generations.
Fewer sick days
Unsurprisingly, employees who have the option to work from home are less likely to take sick days. This is because employees who are mildly sick can still get work done at home, while office workers are more inclined to take the entire day off to avoid leaving the comfort of their home or infecting others. Additionally, flexibility and a better work-life balance can reduce burn out, so workers are less likely to get ill in the first place.
Mental health
Working from home can be really beneficial for people who struggle with mental health. Often one’s personal life affects their professional one. “Personal stress leaks into work and as an employer, we understand that if we can relieve someone’s personal problems, even if it is as simple as a day working from home, then that benefits them and us.” Tom, CTO and Co-Founder.
Also, having the option to work from home is important for those who have regular appointments they need to attend. Angela, Product Engineer, has to attend regularly scheduled medical appointments, so she works from home every Wednesday. “If HubbleHQ didn’t have a working from home policy in place, I would need to sacrifice my paid holiday leave in order to attend appointments. Having a standardised working from home policy in place means companies can get the best out of all of their employees while also reducing complex HR overheads and minimising the risk of unconscious discrimination in the workplace.”
Offering flexible work options is evidently beneficial to both business owners and employees. But having a centralised hub for your team to come together is also really important. If you want to search for your own space, check out thousands of desks and offices at the link below:
