As you know, I have been living the life of a digital nomad for several years.  While not traditionally a ‘work from home’ life (since I don’t really have a ‘home’ anymore), there are many similarities between the life I live, and that experienced by those who have a more traditional job and work from home.

The naysayers suggest that if an employee is allowed to work from home, they will lounge around, sleep in, and generally be less productive – BUT the results from this Stanford study show just the opposite!

As reported in an Inc Magazine article, the “nearly two-year study showed an astounding productivity boost among the telecommuters equivalent to a full day’s work. Turns out work-from-home employees work a true full-shift (or more) versus being late to the office or leaving early multiple times a week and found it less distracting and easier to concentrate at home.

Additionally (and incredibly), employee attrition decreased by 50 percent among the telecommuters, they took shorter breaks, had fewer sick days, and took less time off. Not to mention the reduced carbon emissions from fewer autos clogging up the morning commute.

Oh, and by the way, the company saved almost $2,000 per employee on rent by reducing the amount of HQ office space.”

The one (and only) drawback they did find, was that many people reported feeling lonely and missing the interaction with people.

In my case, I combat that by often choosing to work in cafes and other public places – just for the constant movement and background noise – and by having regular discussions either by phone or via email with friends who share similar work-related passions.

Also, I tend to work in bursts when I feel most productive – and sometimes that is late in the evening…   As long as I maintain my integrity and keep all my commitments, it doesn’t matter whether I work a traditional work-day clock, or spend an hour or so working at 2:00am simply because I couldn’t sleep – and I love it that way!

So, if yours is the type of position where working from home is a possibility, consider whether this might be a fabulous lifestyle alternative for you.

…and here is Professor Nicholas Bloom to give you even more incentive (and information to help sway your boss):

Personally, I adore this lifestyle of working from ‘home’ (ok, so home is a very ambiguous term in my case) and am happy to field any questions you might have on the subject.

Enjoy!

~ Bella