Working from home has become increasingly popular in the last few years, especially after the pandemic accelerated the trend. Many employees enjoy the flexibility and convenience of working from home, but if you’re one of those lucky individuals who get to choose which day they can work from home, how do you know which is best? Don’t worry, we have the answer, because…science.
Factors to Consider
When deciding on the best day to work from home, several factors come into play. Here are some of the most important factors to consider:
1. Company Policies
Before deciding which day to work from home, you need to check your company’s policies on remote work. Some companies may have strict guidelines on when and how and why employees can work from home, while others may offer more flexibility. Make sure to adhere to your company’s policies to avoid any conflicts or misunderstandings.
2. Personal Preference
Everyone has different preferences when it comes to working from home. Some people prefer to work from home on Mondays or Fridays to avoid the rush hour traffic, while others may prefer to work from home midweek to break up their workweek. Everyone has their own habits, so consider your personal preference when deciding which day to work from home.
3. Workload
Your workload can also impact which day is the best day to work from home. If you have a lot of meetings or collaborative work, it may be better to work from the office. On the other hand, if you have a lot of solo work or tasks that require concentration, working from home may be more conducive to productivity.
4. Commute Time
One of the biggest advantages of working from home is the elimination of commute time. If you have a long commute, you may want to work from home on days when you have early morning meetings or when there is inclement weather. This can save you time and reduce stress.
5. Family Obligations
If you have family obligations, such as caring for children or elderly parents, working from home may be the best option. You can be available for your loved ones while still getting your work done. Consider your family obligations when deciding which day to work from home.
Our Recommendation
After considering the various factors, we recommend Wednesday as the best day to work from home. Here’s why:
Midweek Break
Working from home on Wednesday can provide a refreshing break from the typical routine of going into the office. By breaking up the workweek with a day spent working from home, employees can avoid burnout and feel more energized and focused for the remainder of the week.
On a practical level, working from home on Wednesday can also provide a change of scenery and environment, which can help stimulate creativity and productivity. Additionally, it can allow employees to take care of personal tasks or appointments without having to take time off from work or miss important meetings.
Overall, the midweek break aspect of working from home on Wednesdays can be a significant benefit for both employers and employees, as it can lead to increased productivity and job satisfaction.
Productivity
Wednesday is generally considered the most productive day of the workweek. By working from home on Wednesday, employees can take advantage of this productivity boost and get more work done.
There are several reasons why Wednesday tends to be the most productive day. For one, it’s right in the middle of the workweek, which means employees have had time to settle into their tasks and are less likely to be distracted by other priorities. Additionally, there’s still plenty of time left in the week to make progress on projects and meet deadlines.
Working from home can also contribute to increased productivity. Without the distractions and interruptions of the office environment, employees can focus more easily on their tasks and may be able to get more done in less time. Additionally, working from home can provide more flexibility in terms of work hours and breaks, which can help employees stay focused and avoid burnout.
Overall, the productivity benefits of working from home on Wednesday can be significant. By taking advantage of this day, employees can accomplish more and feel more satisfied with their work.
Flexibility
Working from home on Wednesday provides flexibility for the rest of the workweek. By completing a full day of work from home midweek, employees can have more control over their schedule and can potentially schedule appointments or personal obligations for later in the week.
For example, if an employee has a doctor’s appointment on Thursday morning, working from home on Wednesday can allow them to make up the time later in the day or in the evening. Similarly, if an employee needs to pick up their children from school on Friday afternoon, they can arrange their work schedule accordingly and avoid having to take time off or miss important meetings.
This flexibility can be beneficial for both employees and employers. For employees, it can reduce stress and make it easier to balance work and personal obligations. For employers, it can improve employee satisfaction and reduce the likelihood of employees needing to take time off or miss work.
Overall, the flexibility aspect of working from home on Wednesday can be a significant benefit for both employees and employers. By taking advantage of this flexibility, employees can feel more in control of their schedules and can better balance their work and personal obligations.
Commute
Working from home on Wednesday can save employees time and stress from commuting. Commuting to work can be a significant source of stress and can eat up valuable time, especially if an employee has a long commute or if there is traffic or bad weather.
By working from home on Wednesday, employees can avoid the stress and time-consuming nature of commuting. They can use the time they would have spent commuting to focus on work or to take care of personal tasks. This can lead to increased productivity and job satisfaction.
In addition, avoiding commuting can have health benefits as well. Studies have shown that long commutes can lead to negative health outcomes such as higher blood pressure, increased anxiety, and decreased physical activity. By working from home on Wednesday, employees can reduce their exposure to these negative health effects.
Overall, the commute aspect of working from home on Wednesday can be a significant benefit for employees. By avoiding the stress and health risks of commuting, employees can focus more on their work and enjoy better overall well-being.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the best day to work from home depends on various factors such as company policies, personal preference, workload, commute time, and family obligations. After weighing everything, we recommend Wednesday as the best day to work from home due to its midweek break and a general boost to productivity. That said, the day that you work best from home may differ, so choose what’s best for you!
Jared has worked remotely for 15 years in various marketing capacities, and has managed hundreds of marketing campaigns along the way. He has held freelance, agency, and in-house positions for companies large and small.