There is a lot of chatter about working from home. It’s been said that remote work is the future of business and that working from home will never be the same. Some people say it’s better to work from home, while others say that it’s a waste of time and money. Some work from home advocates will tell you that it’s the way of the future and that if you don’t do it, you’re missing out.
Office Space
Office work can be an annoying part of life at times, but it can also give you a lot of freedom. If you have a bad day at work, then you can just go home, relax, and forget about it. But, when you are working well, the combination of good work, good pay, and a good work environment can make it a pleasure to work almost anywhere.
The Pros & Cons:
Pro: Designated Workspace
When you think of the workplace, you probably think of a computer, a desk, and a chair. However, there is another option. Open-concept office spaces are growing in popularity not only because they are more efficient but also because they are more comfortable and can actually increase productivity. Besides, the offices of good companies generally have recreation areas, designated glass smoking shelters, and fun zones, among other amenities so that the employees can take a break in between work, all or most of which are absent when working remotely.
Cons: Expenses
Of course, if you’re going to have your own external office space, you’ll need to pay the purchase price or monthly rent. Whichever workspace you choose, whether it be a building, a suite, or a single office, you’ll need to consider its cost in your budget.
Pro: Less Distractions
The idea of a distraction-free workplace is as old as the workplace itself. Yet, behind every cubicle wall, companies continue to employ an alarming number of distractions. One big distraction can be the cell phone. To avoid wasted time, some companies tend to provide a Locker to each employee where they can store their phone before entering the workspace, and collect it before heading back. Similarly, long breaks can be a distraction avoided at a workspace, unlike in remote working where an employee can take a break for a long time and miss out on work needed to be done.
Cons: Commute
There will also be the commute to take into consideration. Depending on where you live, rural or suburban, it will dictate just how far of a commute you will have to your office.
Working Remotely
Working remotely is an appealing option for many. After the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic, many industries including the medical industry had to resort to working from home. If you take the example of dentists, even they might agree to enjoy the perks of Work From Home. It’s often an attractive choice for freelancers, entrepreneurs, or senior managers, who prefer to be their own bosses. But is working remotely the silver bullet that will solve all your problems? Not at all! There’s no denying the benefits working remotely can bring, but that doesn’t mean it’s easy.
If you’re considering working remotely, here are some more things to keep in mind.
The Pros & Cons:
Pro: You don’t have to commute
This is the number one reason why people want to work from home.
Cons: No face-to-face connection
Most people who work remotely do so because they don’t have access to face-to-face connections; they need to climb the corporate ladder. They want to make a big impression at work, but they don’t feel like they can meet with a team member in person to conduct a job search or to make a presentation. But remote workers can overcome this lack of face-to-face communication with little planning. With the introduction of more advanced solutions that allow real-time messaging and communication through software (click this to learn more), companies might be able to alleviate some of these specific problems for their employees.
Pro: More freedom
Working from home is a great way to increase your productivity and reduce your commute, but it comes with its own set of pitfalls and advantages. The advantages include a more relaxed schedule, low rent, and the ability to wear whatever you want.
Cons: Loneliness and isolation
But working remotely all by yourself with just a laptop in front of you can be incredibly isolating and lonely. Working remotely is a major trend in business today, as more and more employees look to take advantage of the flexibility and freedom working from home offers. As virtual offices become more common, however, many firms are concerned that remote workers lack the level of teamwork and social interaction expected in the office.
Free-agent employees are now the norm in most professional industries, giving employees more flexibility and the ability to work from home, from the latest tech gadgets, and from various locations. However, there are downsides to working remotely, and for some, the benefits are not worth the effort and sacrifice.
The main difference between a free-agent employee and a remote employee is that a free-agent employee has the choice of where they work, while a remote employee has no choice at all.
