Merit Family,

The COVID-19 pandemic has definitely changed our lives in many ways, and we're all in the same boat as we try and get used to the “new normal.” One major change for many is working from home. While some love it, others aren't so sure. This week's newsletter touches on the potential benefits working remotely can bring with tips on how to make the best of it.

8 BENEFITS OF WORKING FROM HOME

1. Leave Commuting in the Dust

Probably one of the most positive changes working from home brings is not having to commute long distances to the office. This means no more sitting in traffic or needing to wake up hours in advance to beat the morning rush. On average, Americans spend approximately 54 minutes commuting every day round trip.¹ Less time on the road can translate into more time doing the things you love, spending time with family, or focusing on self-care.

2. Increased Productivity

I know, I know. You'd think it would be the opposite, right? But I'm not mistaken. Working from home actually increases productivity. According to this study published by Stanford Graduate School of Business, at-home employees of a Chinese travel agency experienced a 13% performance increase versus their colleagues who worked in the office.²

3. Greater Independence

This can be a huge benefit for people who live with anxiety. Working from home makes it more possible to get the job done without much supervision or micromanaging. Employees are able to move through the day without feeling like someone is constantly looking over their shoulder.

4. Less Pollution

Global Workplace Analytics, a research and consulting firm, estimated that if employees in the U.S. who held telework-compatible jobs worked remotely half of the time, this reduction in commuting could decrease greenhouse gas emissions by 54 million tons each year.³

5. Personalized Workstations

If working in a cubicle was never for you, now is a great opportunity to personalize your workspace at home. This means you can invest in that standing desk you've always wanted (much better for you than sitting all day!), purchase a comfy, back-supporting chair for the times you do sit, position yourself by a bright window for natural light, and place plants and colorful trinkets around to make it your own. You can find more tips on how to design your at-home workspace here and here.

6. Money in the Bank³

Remember all the time gained by not commuting to the office? This can also turn into money saved. Commuting half the time could save between $2,000 and $7,000 in transportation and work-related costs. Those who care for family would be able to save on after-school and eldercare. Many at-home workers would also qualify for home office tax breaks.

7. Improved Job Satisfaction

The same aforementioned Stanford Graduate School of Business study that found a correlation between working at home and increased productivity also found that home workers reported improved work satisfaction.²

8. Less Illness

For some, working from home may feel isolating, but reducing contact with others can help you avoid getting sick with cold, flu, etc. (as well as COVID-19).

HEALTHY RECIPE OF THE WEEK

To help you get through the season in a COVID-19-friendly way, each week I'll post a new healthy recipe to try. This week?

Mediterranean Quinoa Salad with Chickpeas

With COVID-19 disrupting travel plans, why not bring the Mediterranean to your kitchen? This simple dish is packed with protein-rich quinoa and chickpeas, healthy veggies, and a delicious vinaigrette—making it a great side dish, salad, or light meal.

Find the recipe here.

Mediterranean Quinoa Salad with Chickpeas

SILVER LINING STORY

It seems like every day (COVID-19 or no) we're bombarded with frightening and worrisome news. But the truth of the matter is, good things are happening all around us—we just have to look.

This week's Silver Lining Story comes from New Delhi, India, where math graduate Satyendra Pal holds classes for children who don't have access to online learning during the pandemic.

By donation only, the classes are taught outside in small numbers, so everyone can social distance. Masks and hand sanitizer are provided by charities.

"I want to earn money," Satyendra said in response to his parents commenting on how little he's currently making. "But if I focus on myself, I will earn alone. If I help these kids, they will all earn with me."

Read the full story here.

UPDATE ON COVID-19 AT MERIT

We've now identified 70 cases of COVID-19 among the Merit family of approximately 5,900 (53 in the United States, 11 in Mexico, three in Sales-EMEA, two in Ireland, and one in The Netherlands). Employees are recovering at home or at the hospital. Many employees who have recovered have returned to work.

All facilities have implemented stringent COVID-19 protection measures to prevent any spread of the virus among Merit employees.

Please visit the Merit Metro (for employees who have Merit email addresses) or www.merit.com/covid-19-response-resource-page/ for the most updated information on Merit and COVID-19.

Please stay safe. Please stay positive (and keep smiling from 6 feet). I look forward to sharing more information with you soon.

Regards,

Dr. Nicole Priest, MD

Merit Medical Chief Wellness Officer

REFERENCES

Rice, Mae. 2020. “9 Benefits of Working from Home, According to Experts.” Accessed July 13, 2020. https://builtin.com/remote-work/benefits-of-working-from-home.
Bloom, Nicholas A., James Liang, John Roberts, and Zhichun Jenny Ying. 2015. “Does Working from Home Work? Evidence from a Chinese Experiment.” The Quarterly Journal of Economics 130, no. 1 (February): 165–218.
Global Workplace Analytics. n.d. “Telework Savings Potential.” Accessed July 15, 2020. https://globalworkplaceanalytics.com/cut-oil.

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