Remote Workers Are Outperforming Office Workers-- Why

I work remote, and generally put in extra work while others are commuting, and this actually helps me collaborate with folks in other time zones. I'm happy to trade my extra labor for the benefit of not being stuck in traffic in a toll road. In addition to saving on fuel, tolls, and car depreciation, I haven't been rear-ended in years. Back when I drove more frequently, my car had several rear-end collisions.

The article (I think) correctly points out that offices are distracting places and have gotten even more so with the advent of open offices. But this bold headline is misleading. The article doesn't actually give any proof that remote workers are more effective. Rather, it's an article written by the founder of a distributed company giving his opinion on the matter.

Indeed, I agree that there are many distractions at work, but I think that many people would be just as distracted--if not more so--working at home. When I'm at work, there's no temptation to turn on the TV or clean the fridge. I don't hop in the shower or sweep the floors knowing that no one is watching. Personally, I find working from home way too distracting and when I used to work at a remote job, I paid out of pocket to rent an office at WeWork.

The fact is that working remotely works really well for some people. And horribly for others. My guess is that most people prefer working at an office with the ability to work from home occasionally when needed.