A Forrester Research study projects the number of home workers to increase by 65% by 2016. While it’s true that working from home isn’t for everyone and that it just doesn’t make sense for some, the fact is that many jobs can have a work-at-home component. Paperwork, computer and communication aspects of most jobs can be done remotely anywhere. Inevitably, in any business there are some jobs that can be done at home (typically white-collar) while others (retail clerk, assembly line) can’t.

The harmful effects of stress has been well studied, and there is no denying the fact that the traditional workplace is the main culprit so far as stress goes. A May 2011 survey conducted by Staples Advantage of more than 140 respondents reported that nearly 86% claimed more productivity when working at home. Nearly three out of four said they eat better and maintain better health. All respondents ranked stress levels on average 25% lower while working at home than working on site.

The commute from home to work is an obvious reason that working outside the home contributes to a stressed life. Whether it’s the unreliable bus, overcrowded train or bumper to bumper traffic congestion, the time it takes to get there can mean a worker with a bad attitude, attributing to a less productive workday.

It stands to reasons that everyone is better off when employees are empowered to get things done on their own time. Flexible work hours are a part of working from home and help to eliminate the tight schedules of the traditional workplace. While more than 80% of people surveyed were putting in extra hours on weekends and in the evenings, 76% of respondents reported a willingness to do so.

By being able to define work rules that work best for your personal lifestyle, work life and home life are less separated allowing for greater balance and less stress. Distractions are eliminated, like those that come from gossip around the water cooler and the inevitable attempt to compare with coworkers.

Many people who begin working from home start small and work it as a sideline while continuing a fulltime job. The good news is that a majority of those supplemental jobs will morph into a full time job. Without the need for expensive office clothing, limited transportation expenses and no irritating colleagues, you just need to abide by your own work rules and deadlines. If you’re doing meaningful work and something you love, you may find that working from home is a great advantage over the traditional work environment and a boon to living a less stressed life.

Noreen Ruth writes for ASAP credit card blog and several popular finance websites. She is interested in educating consumers about using credit responsibly and about legislative action that will affect their ability to borrow the money they need. She has contributed hundreds of articles to various online sites that provide content to educate consumers on the top credit card offers, low interest credit cards, debt relief, loans and other finance related topics.