One purported advantage of remote work is cost savings.

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Elizabeth Charbonneau

102

02/02/21 at 2:41PM UTC

One purported advantage of remote work is cost savings.

Now that we have been working at home for almost a year, what are your experiences with increased or decreased expenses? For me, the savings on commuting are offset by the increased utilities and internet costs. I normally brought my lunch before, so that cost hasn't changed. The only reason that WFH is a small net gain has been the savings on professional attire.

18 Comments

Dena B.

02/02/21 at 4:58PM UTC

My husband is self employed, so he was home a lot during the day. So, our utilities have not changed. The gas savings and wardrobe savings are big. I've also saved on getting my hair done. I let my roots grow out a lot more than I would if I was going into the office every day. You can't see it so much on a zoom call. Maybe once we are post pandemic and I'm getting out more, that will change but for now, big savings there too. I too took my lunch, so no savings there. But, the biggest savings is one I can't put a dollar amount on. That is the TIME savings. The time I don't spend in my car. The time I don't spend packing that lunch. The time I don't spend getting "dressed" for work. I still get dressed, but it takes 15 minutes vs an hour. That time savings is priceless. I'd take a pay cut to continue working from home for the time I save. It is more valuable than the saved gas or saved wardrobe money.

Anonymous

02/02/21 at 5:36PM UTC

I agree with the savings of time and would add that my days flow better. I now do an hour of hiking with my dogs at lunch. I can get my groceries and drugstore errands done before logging onto my computer. I take leisurely tea breaks on my patio and I just enjoy speaking with my neighbors on my morning walks which now happen later in the morning when we can safely chat over fences. I go out in my garden more often because it's right there. So the added time and slower pace has radically changed everything in my life.

Heather Macone

293

02/02/21 at 7:01PM UTC

I agree with Anonymous, the slower pace and added time has been something that I cannot put a price tag on. I would also add, not feeling rushed for everything (kids practices, dinners etc). I got a new car in April 2019, and have been WFH since March 2020. The miles on it are VERY low for how old it is, plus the lack of wear and tear from highway driving everyday.

Nicole Baker

Technical Coordinator in Milwaukee, WI

02/02/21 at 8:07PM UTC

I've definitely noticed that I've been spending a lot more money for ink for my home printer since I've been working from home.

1 Reply

Cassie McGlynn

Office Ninja Extraordinaire

02/03/21 at 1:46PM UTC

Have you asked your employer for a reimbursement? I do all of the supply ordering for my organization and I order myself a supply of ink because of all of the printing I have to do from home now. They’re adding wear and tear to your machine that you paid for.

1 Reply

Nicole Baker

Technical Coordinator in Milwaukee, WI

02/03/21 at 3:10PM UTC

I guess I just assumed that they would say no. I also order supplies. I'll ask today - it's worth a shot :)

Nicole Feld

EVP, Producer, Creator, Thought Leader

02/02/21 at 8:17PM UTC

Our family's budget has really evolved into spending money on fresh groceries, and household appliances and indulgences that make life at home more comfortable and relaxing. For example a home nespresso machine and a heated mug! We have eliminated the cost of dining out, theater, babysitting, vacations, and transportation. I don't really see giving those things up once we return to a more social existence.

1 Reply

Cathy Colliver

140

Marketing & MBA

02/02/21 at 11:32PM UTC

Childcare has been a huge savings b/c we can work from home while they do virtual school, but offset by stress and frustration with trying to be a teacher's aide while working full time. So definitely not going to be a post-pandemic saving in the same way. That said, I switched to a 100% remote role, older kid is entering middle school next year and the younger one will be in third grade. So we may switch up how much we have to do on before/after school care due to those factors.

Anonymous

02/02/21 at 9:10PM UTC

The initial set up of the home office did come with some expense, but probably offset by a few months commuting cost. Lunch savings are a big one too. My job prior involved a lot of travel that was covered by the company, but not having to travel so much is a huge benefit for my mental health.

Anonymous

02/02/21 at 9:17PM UTC

I have been a remote worker for over a decade. I see savings on clothing, shoes, accessories. Savings with gas, mileage, wear and tear on my car. I huge saving on lunches and coffee.

Ann Burke

Educator, Writer, Facilitator, Learner.

02/02/21 at 9:24PM UTC

Echoing here that I have saved money on gas/car expenses. One thing my partner and I have been questioning is the expenses (monetary or otherwise (e.g. time and energy) we invest in to work from home and why our employers are not able to help us with those expenses. We've certainly gained a lot of positive things by being able to work from home, but we've also gained more responsibility in maintaining infrastructure to be able to do work from home without much support from our employers.

Robyn Wick

554

HiEd Professional/PT Fitness Inst

02/02/21 at 9:26PM UTC

Gas savings have been huge! I've also been able to put my contract parking on hold during the work from home order, but we all took salary cuts. I'm saving money by cooking and not going out, but with the salary cuts we all took at my organization, it's more of a wash than anything.

Laura

Environmental and Laboratory Supervisor in IL

02/02/21 at 11:26PM UTC

I echo everything that's been said plus time savings. It's been nice putting on a load of laundry in the middle of the day or starting a slow cooker at 2pm. While it's been an adjustment, I've enjoyed it.

Traci Ryan

HR Manager, Talent Acquisition, Learning& Dev.

02/03/21 at 6:16AM UTC

Though we have saved on gas now that there are 4 of us at home all day our utilities have all gone up. Especially the electricity bill yikes.

Alyssa Williams

02/03/21 at 4:40PM UTC

Increase - Electric bill, therapy bill, grocery and household upgrades to make working from home more enjoyable. Decrease - Gas and travel expenses, babysitter, dinning out and weekend outings. Priceless - Time to get to know my family again, more walks, more getting to know the neighbors, new hobbies, reduced stress of planning and social engagement.

1 Reply

Heather Macone

293

02/04/21 at 2:01PM UTC

Your priceless items made my heart happy. In the same boat, I could not ever take back this time I am getting to be with my family. It is so precious. It is a definite silver lining for me!

Kimberly Olmo

119

02/03/21 at 4:42PM UTC

My utilities have gone up and I use way more paper products as I’m home all day long! Always brought lunch so it’s a toss up there. I purchased a new desk and chair to better accommodate myself but my chair was 20 years old and my desk was adorable but not work practical, so I don’t see those as an expense. I’m happy with the new pieces. Work provided two monitors so I’m set! Before my layoff my last commute was less than 10 minutes but I hated the building so my days are much less stressful working remote. My new job has been remote. I don’t think I could ever go back full time to an office. Once a week, twice a week, maybe. But congestion on the roads in NJ is horrible. It does so much for my mental health to not have to face that and focus on my job. And the anxiety of parking and buildings. (Long standing phobia of heights-I’m happier in my own space thank you!) And although she’s still confused/bored - my dog enjoys having someone home all day too! Can’t put a price on that!

Serena

150

Account Manager

02/06/21 at 12:52PM UTC

It has made such a big difference eating lunch at home! But I do find I make a trip to starbucks more frequently just so I have an excuse to get out of the house for a few. I purchased a new desk, chair, wallpaper, etc. to make my set up feel more legitimate than working out of a bedroom. Overall, it has been worth the investment! I am saving so much on gas too.