Five years back, the COVID-19 pandemic upended how people worked, driving office workers to switch to work-from-home (WFH) arrangements and those who lost their jobs to start working for themselves.

Since then, remote work has become a popular option. Today, it is the preferred choice for more and more Americans. Some, especially the younger generations, consider it an essential perk when accepting a job.

According to Backlinko, 22.8% of US employees (around 36.07 million people) now enjoy telecommuting. This doesn’t include self-employed workers, who account for around 64 million freelancers.

Many people working out of the office are increasingly resisting the conventional workplace setup. A study by the Pew Research Center found that as many as 46% of employees are willing to quit if they are pressured back into the office.

One thing is for sure. The pandemic may have subsided, but remote work is here to stay.

But Why Do So Many Americans Prefer Remote Work?

WFH approaches come with distinct benefits that make them incredibly attractive.

Reasons pushing more Americans to look for remote positions or to work as independent professionals include:

Cost Savings

When you work from home, you get to cut down on commuting expenses as well as costly lunches, snacks, and coffee, which can all amount to a substantial figure at the end of the month.

There’s also the possibility of paying lower taxes, depending on where you live. Some of the best places for remote workers, like Cincinnati, Ohio, and San Antonio-New Braunfels, Texas, offer lower income taxes, which has made them appealing to independent and contract workers who work remotely.

(However, if you plan to work full-time from a state different from where your employer is located, it is best to get advice from a tax consultant first to clarify the income tax applicable to you).

Greater Flexibility

Employees sometimes have unique personal circumstances that make it difficult for them to sit in an office from nine to five. For example, they may have young kids or an elderly relative at home who needs their attention or support.

When this is the case, flexible arrangements like WFH could help immeasurably to balance their work duties with personal responsibilities.

Even otherwise, the ability to work from home or anywhere else a person chooses can provide greater flexibility for them to pursue personal interests and goals without compromising work.

For instance, telecommuting could allow someone who loves traveling to relocate to another country for a longer workation without taking time off from work (and, thereby, disrupting workflows) or quitting their job.

Higher Productivity

The added flexibility of WFH models also promises greater efficiency and productivity. Studies show that 95% of remote workers report higher or at least the same level of productivity as working in an office.

The reasons for this are pretty obvious if you think about it for a moment. You are more likely to feel at ease when sitting in your home than in a tense office environment (it’s even better if you get to work by a beach, lake, or against some other serene backdrop).

In such a setting, you will naturally be a lot calmer, relaxed, and happier, which in turn will help you focus better, be more creative, and deliver a higher output of greater quality. (It’s similar to the increased performance seen in employees who have returned from a vacation).

Healthier Lifestyle

Telecommuting undoubtedly offers the opportunity to achieve better work-life balance and higher well-being.

The option to have more regular home-cooked meals (as opposed to unhealthy fast food, snacks, and restaurant lunches) and get outdoors to breathe in some fresh air, for instance, can promote a healthier lifestyle for someone confined to a sedentary office routine.

For many people, working from home also allows flexibility in terms of work hours. So, it’s easier for them to adjust their schedule and find more time to spend with their loved ones.

Ultimately, these small changes can help profoundly to ease stress, prevent burnout, and enjoy greater well-being, both physically and mentally.

Higher Earning Potential

There is no cap to your earning potential when you work independently as a remote working professional. This is perhaps the number one reason many people quit their office jobs to work for themselves.

The gig economy allows people to work with anyone from anywhere in the world. In other words, there are no geographical boundaries preventing you from accessing work as long as you have a stable internet connection and the right skill set to market yourself.

While this exposes you to more competition, it also opens doors to limitless opportunities to boost your income. Plus, remote work is excellent for gaining exposure to multiple industries and work cultures, and for upping your game within a short span.

Remote Work Can Be Good for Businesses, Too.

WFH arrangements don’t just benefit employees. They provide certain advantages for employers as well.

For example, organizations can significantly cut down their overhead costs (office rent, energy, utilities, etc.) when their staff work away from the office. Note that some of these aspects (say, lower energy use) can also help reduce a business’s environmental impact.

Besides, remote work models are often linked to improved employee well-being and satisfaction. This can be a key factor for boosting work performance, output, and workforce retention.

Best of all, it can give employers access to larger talent pools. Remember, when you don’t require your teams to sit in a specific location, you can recruit people from any state or country. You also have the option to hire full-time, part-time, contract-based, or even task-based.

This type of flexibility will let your business become leaner and more agile—essential elements for competing in today’s economy.

To Conclude

From saving costs to enjoying a healthier lifestyle and achieving greater flexibility, productivity, and earning potential, the perks of working remotely are undoubtedly appealing.

As more Americans seek telecommuting opportunities, an increasing number of companies, like Meta, Apple, and Amazon, have lately been pushing employees to return to the office. But WFH models offer distinct advantages that businesses can no longer ignore. So, it is important for organizations to rethink how they look at workflows, talent acquisition, and employee well-being and come up with practical models, like hybrid arrangements, to navigate the fast-changing workspace and remain competitive.