Working from Home vs. Office: Which is Better?
What do you think is better, working at home, or an office?
Pros and Cons of Working from Home
Working from home has gained popularity over the years, giving employees flexibility and convenience. A major advantage of working from home is that employees can eliminate the need to commute, dress formally, and spend long hours in an office. Getting rid of these steps can benefit the employee by saving time and money, and even boosts productivity. According to Boudinet, Jeremy(published writer). 51% of employees prefer remote work because it improves work-life balance.
However, working from home can still have a bad side. Communication with other employees can be difficult, as virtual meetings and phone calls aren’t as convenient as a face to face conversation. Also, some workers struggle working at home because their personal and professional lives start to overlap. According to Boudinet, employees feel isolation and a lack of social interaction when working from home.
Pros and Cons of Working in Office
Offices give structure and the ability to collaborate with others, which can help increase productivity and teamwork. They also have access to in-office resources like big meeting rooms, higher internet speeds, and general office supplies, which can also boost productivity. Also, having social interactions with co-workers can improve your well-being. According to Boudinet, working in an office gives “access to resources and immediate support”.
On the bad side, working in an office requires you to drive to the office and back home quite often. There could also be distractions like background noises, interruptions, and frequent meetings. Boudinet added, working in an office has “office politics and distractions”.
How Can Working From Home Affect Your Health?
Remote working can have both positive and negative effects on employees, a positive part is that employees can isolate themselves away from a toxic work-environment. At home, employees can enjoy a more comfortable environment, a personalized schedule, and the flexibility to complete chores during breaks. According to a remote work platform jobera, “23% like the fact that they can complete chores in their free-time at home”.
However, working from home can lead to negative health consequences. Without a proper room to work in, employees may gain a bad posture from poor seating or even poor overall maintenance of your life. This can lead to weight gain, and mental health concerns, leading to isolation, lack of socialization and more. Boudinet says, working from home gives “isolation and lack of social interaction”.
What is Hybrid Working?
Hybrid working is a flexible schedule that balances your time spent at home and at your office. It allows employees to spend half and half their time at home and their time at the office. This gives the pros of both working lifestyles, almost eliminating the cons. It offers flexibility for people, and then collaboration when necessary. According to Tiffany Fowell, a 2023 gallup survey found that more than half of the employees with remote-capable jobs want a hybrid work arrangement.
Companies have found that a hybrid work arrangement can increase employee productivity, and comfortability. Not only that, but it can also help employees and businesses save money.
Why is Hybrid Working Better?
Hybrid working, which combines office work and at home work, is becoming a preferred choice for a lot of companies and employees. Because it offers flexibility and in-person collaboration at the same time. According to CNBC, 56% of hybrid employees choose to work hybrid some days.
Overall, hybrid working offers both the benefits of working at home and in office, providing employees with flexibility, cost savings, and improved productivity while still allowing for in person collaboration with others. Because of that, companies have made hybrid working a preferred choice, balancing efficiency while making sure the employees are well.