Since concerns over COVID-19 have diminished, there has been a significant cultural shift toward remote work. Personally, I have been working from home since March 2020, and I believe it’s more important than ever to understand the benefits of remote work from financial, physical, and mental perspectives.
From my experience, working remotely has increased my productivity (though not always, as home isn’t a magical place free from distractions). However, my productivity has improved due to significantly less cognitive fatigue.
Imagine starting the day by making endless tiny decisions before even getting to the office: What will I wear today? Should I put on makeup? Should I bring a gym bag? What about lunch? Do I have time to grab a coffee before work? Should I take the car or walk? These tiny decisions drain our energy. Successful people, like Steve Jobs, recognized the importance of preserving energy by reducing decision fatigue, which is why he wore the same outfit every day.
During the pandemic, we learned that a daily commute is often unnecessary. Most in-person meetings have been effectively replaced by virtual ones, saving us time and money. A study estimates that only 25% of business meetings will be held in person by 2024. When we realize that everything we do in a typical business meeting can be accomplished using online meeting platforms—from using whiteboards to sharing documents—the need for in-person meetings becomes more of a burden.
I appreciate a hybrid working setup, which I call “Work Vacation,” by taking my work on the road with me. The biggest benefit of a work vacation is time. I can attend the same meetings and fulfill the same responsibilities, but when I finish work at the end of the day, I find myself in an exciting place far from the usual city routine.
Is it really a vacation if you’re still working remotely? Yes and no. While I don’t use vacation days and can sustain myself while traveling, my regular workload remains the same. Nevertheless, I love the digital nomad life!
In conclusion, the shift to remote work has brought numerous benefits that outweigh the traditional office setup. The flexibility, reduced cognitive fatigue, and opportunities to explore new places while working have made remote work an attractive option for many, including myself. As we continue to adapt to this new way of working, it’s clear that the traditional office may no longer be a necessity for everyone.