Less distractions and no commute were the two of the reasons people like working from home, according to a new survey released from Microsoft. The Microsoft Telework survey, which covered 3,600 workers in 36 cities nationwide, found that people were more productive and efficient when working from home. Now we just need employers to catch on. The survey also found that only 15 percent believe their company supports flexible work arrangements.
Read about the Microsoft Telework survey here (PDF).
Home office belongs to Leonora Oppenheim via TreeHugger.
Originally published at Lifework by Cerentha Harris


Howard Butcher Bloc...
I really like working from home, but I wish I had the option of going into an office every once in awhile to see team members, interact with people, etc.
Also, I think if you're used to working in an office, working from home (initially) feels more productive, and vice-versa. Now that I work from home all the time, I would probably initially feel more productive in an office.. it's where ever you've "settled" that you'll probably feel less productive.
I've been looking for coworking events and cafes to help break up the pattern!
My productivity and job satisfaction have increased a lot since I started working from home, but it did take time to "ramp-up". I had to designate some rules and some routines before I gained full advantage.
It's vital that you have concentration space, especially if you've got kids(!!), and that your family begins to acclimatize to your work routine.
In my experience your home-work routine is something you have to establish through repetition that won't happen right away. They won't even know to give it to you if you don't enforce it.
Once you've got that space though, your productivity can really benefit and it can be a major boost for your work morale (something employers should consider over having like "fun shirt fridays" to boost employee spirits).
As "only 15 percent believe their company supports flexible work arrangements," shouldn't there be a fourth option?:
d. I would like to work from home, but my company does not offer me the opportunity to do so.