Photo by iStock / gmast3r
I have been working from home as a software developer for many years, easing into it over the course of several years as my work shifted increasingly to tasks that could be done remotely. When the pandemic forced many more people to work from home, it was not a big change for me, but it was a big change for many of the people I work with. We met regularly by video conference before, but now they are online from home instead of from a conference room at their office. Talking to them about how the change is affecting them reminded me of some of the advantages I have become accustomed to and take for granted.
One of the first things that people notice is how much time they were spending on their daily commute. For some of us, that time is a gift we can enjoy, while for others it is much-needed help in juggling work with childcare and education. For the fortunate few who could commute on transit and could make some productive use of their commute time, this is not such a big deal, but for the solo drivers it really highlights the waste of time involved in the daily drive.
Commuting to and from work increases greenhouse gas emissions and reduces employees’ opportunities for a work-life balance. Employers should prioritize working from home, flexible workdays, and teleworking policies and programs for employees whenever possible. We don't know when employers will be opting to have employees start coming back into an office, and this will be sure to vary, but if and when they do employers should provide commuting benefits for carpooling, using public transit, or other alternative modes of transportation to reduce single-occupancy vehicle trips.
Appreciation grows slowly for the stress relief that comes with not having to fight with traffic every day. Gradually you realize how nice it is to eliminate that unpleasant daily experience from your life. I think ultimately that may be a major factor motivating people to keep working from home even when it is no longer mandatory. Perhaps less noticeable but more important are the health benefits. All that sitting in traffic is taking a toll on your life expectancy, not just from the stress, but also from breathing toxic fumes all that time. Not to mention the daily risk of injury or death.
I also recognize that working from home is a privilege -- not everyone has a job that can be done from home. Many people, especially essential workers, have continued to ride public transit to their jobs since March. Bus drivers in cities across the nation have literally put their lives on the line to transport others and keep our communities running during the pandemic. They deserve support and protection from the federal government.
As an active Sierra Club volunteer, in recent years I spent more time going to and from Sierra Club meetings and activities than going to and from work. The pandemic has forced almost all of that to be shifted to online meetings, with all the same advantages as working from home. I expect that the widespread use of online meeting tools with the ability to meet from home will permanently change the way we think about meetings and activities within a range of organizations. Social activities will come back eventually, but in-person meetings are likely to be the exception rather than the rule from now on.
Depending on the nature of your job, there may be an additional benefit from a flexible schedule. For years I have been enjoying the opportunity to play while others are working, and work while others are playing. It always feels like I am getting away with something. Even now I like being able to shop when the stores are relatively empty and when it is more pleasant, as well as safer, to be there.
And then there are the comforts of home, where I can make a fresh cup of coffee exactly the way I like it and grab a snack from a fridge that is not shared with dozens of coworkers.
Finally, there is the secret benefit of desktop video. If you put on a nice shirt, nobody can tell that you are still in your jammies and bunny slippers under the desk.