26 Feb 2016

For some, working at home may be the only option thus far. Others may be starting their own businesses and making their home their new workplace.

Advantages

– Employer: you can keep and retain your qualified employees and saving money from infrastructure
– Employee: saving commute time, and working around child care schedule
– Self-employed: low cost and technology

Disadvantages

– Employer: getting the team together, checking on productivity
– Employee / Self-Employed : distractions from productivity and motivation to do work

Overcoming Obstacles

– Networking with like-minded individuals, video conferences, working away from regular offices and attending business conferences
– Arrange with your employer, if applicable, to work in the office once or twice a week and be in an environment with others

Tax Advantages

– Employee: deductions from meeting with clients or other employees (T2200)
– Self-Employed: claim amounts from mortgage internet, property taxes, utilities, internet, etc. There are limitations such as measuring the sqft of your home and prorate it.

Common Trends

– Looking for a remote office at lower costs for board meetings or because of travel? There are some online options and you can receive a pin code on an app and you can access these places for half an hour and up to a week at a time. Something new coming along is This Space Works in Calgary very shortly.

Have any other concerns about working from home? We can help! Comment below or contact us for further information.