More work from home means more happiness

Work from home options should be standard rather than a perk because it can offer a win-win for both workers and bosses.

Workplace psychologist George Mylonas says remote work improves productivity because there are fewer distractions and employees are better able to concentrate,.

"Plus employees have enhanced autonomy and control over their work environment," he said.

Currently, just a quarter of the Australian workforce are offered the arrangement by their employers but Mr Mylonas, who will speak at this week's conference of Organisational Psychologists in Sydney, said the number should grow due to the benefits it offers.

He said having control over variables like temperature, lighting and clothing standards increased an employee's job satisfaction.

It also enables employees to better manage their family responsibilities.

In 2016 the NSW state government announced it will offer flexible working hours to all senior staff by 2019.

Despite this the move to a flexible and remote workforce has been slow.

"Employers worry they will lose control over remote workers," Mr Mylonas said.

Australian employers can encourage the growth of remote work by training managers to understand the benefits rather than just seeing it as a perk, he said.

"There shouldn't be any difference between managing remote workers and non-remote workers."