The traditional commute has undergone a radical shift. Remote work, once a luxury for a few, has become a mainstay for many. Yet, with this shift comes the challenge of separating 'work' from 'home'. This is where the backyard office comes into play, providing a solution that's both close to home and distant from everyday distractions. From the lens of commuting, let's delve into why buying a backyard office might be the next big trend.
Let's begin with the most evident advantage: Your Time
The average American commuter spent roughly 27 minutes one way to work in 2019, which translates to about 4.5 hours a week or 9 days a year! With a backyard office, the commute is reduced to a few seconds or minutes, allowing professionals to reclaim hours every week.
Time savings also accrue when considering the benefit of being home to tackle every day tasks. That huge load of laundry waiting for you after work isn't so intimidating when you can fold for 10 minutes during a virtual meeting. Hungry? Grab a snack or fix an appetizing lunch in your own kitchen instead of waiting in line at the drive-through for a $15 fast food lunch. Be there to greet your kids at the end of their school day. Then head back to your office to finish up.
Get some headspace back. When you used to be stuck in traffic, you'll have time to get a workout, eat a real breakfast, or call your mom. Time trapped in the car is time that you'll never get back. No commute means more time for the little things that you love.
The second reason to consider a backyard office is: Your Money
The financial savings from working in a backyard office can't be ignored. Gas, public transport tickets, wear and tear on vehicles, and occasional coffees or breakfasts grabbed on the go—all these costs quickly add up. By virtually eliminating the commute, you can save a significant sum each year.
Going out to eat is one of the biggest hidden costs of working from a corporate office. Instead of shelling out for lunch everyday, save your money by heating up leftovers or throwing together a healthy meal at home. Plus, you can be choosy about your lunch companions. No more lunching with a work frenemy or having to pitch in for the new intern's birthday meal. Those are savings you just can't quantify.
You can even write off the monthly costs of your dedicated backyard office space on your taxes. Who wouldn't want to add to the value of their property, while taking advantage of work from home tax breaks? It's a smart solution for folks who want to invest in their home.
From the commuting perspective, the backyard office emerges as a winner on multiple fronts. It offers immense time and financial savings, while shortening your commute and creating work efficiency. As remote work continues to shape our professional world, the backyard office stands out as a smart and progressive choice for modern professionals.
