This list of the pros and cons of working from home will help you decide if it’s right for you. Plus, check out our tips for working from home.
Work From Home: Tips and Tricks
We frequently consider the advantages and disadvantages of a new endeavor before embarking on it.
What would the results be if X actually took place? How would Y improve my situation?
If you’re just getting started with working remotely or working from home, you’re probably in the process of weighing the benefits and drawbacks of this new work style and determining what they’ll mean for you in the long run.
It’s important to hear from folks who have witnessed the positives and cons of working from home directly. We asked the remote job, work-from-home, and digital nomad communities about working from home. We also gave tips for working from home.
Read on for remote workers’ opinions.
Pros and Cons of Working from Home
- Pro: Remote workers feel less stressed and more focused.
- Con: Working from home can be lonely.
- Pro: No daily commute.
- Con: Communication and collaboration can be a challenge.
- Pro: Remote workers have flexibility in their schedules.
- Con: It’s challenging to build a remote company culture.
- Pro: People who work from home have a better work-life balance.
Pro: Employees who work from home report lower stress levels and increased concentration.
There are many advantages to working from home, but among the most common are
- higher productivity,
- sharper concentration, and
- less stress.
It’s easier to stay focused when you’re not in an environment where there’s constant noise or interruptions from coworkers, both of which are less likely to happen when you’re working from home. A more concentrated effort will yield better results.
Still, some people do their best work in a typical office setting. If you’re new to working from home and find it hard to concentrate, there are some tips and music playlists out there that will help you.
Employees who work from home report lower stress levels and increased concentration[/caption]
Con: Work from home can be isolating.
Most of the time, when you work from home, you’re on your own. This can make you feel alone and isolated, which can be bad for your health and productivity. Even if it’s not in person, it’s important to make time for socializing.
Set up a Slack group for people who share your interests, or arrange a virtual coffee date with a coworker. Check out these suggestions for dealing with the isolation that might come with working from home if you need further motivation.
Check out these suggestions for dealing with the isolation that might come with working from home if you need further motivation[/caption]
Pro: Benefit from not having to commute to work every day.
If you have a job in a city, you’ve probably already been through the stress that comes with commuting. Whether you are using public transportation or sitting in bumper-to-bumper traffic, it is possible that your mind will wander and cause you to consider all of the other things you could be doing during the time that you spend commuting.
Numerous studies have demonstrated that commuting has a detrimental effect on both health and happiness. Not only will you have more spare time in your schedule when you work from home, but there is also a good chance that your health will improve as a result of this change.
Con: Communication and teamwork are difficult.
When you and your coworkers are scattered over a number of different places, it can be challenging to maintain productive lines of contact and to work together effectively. This indicates that the tools and methods of communication that you employ need to be deliberate and purposeful in order to be effective.
Establish a regular schedule for in-person meetings through video conferencing, and decide on the asynchronous communication platforms you’ll use (such as Slack and email). Once the protocols for working together are established, misunderstandings will be less likely to occur.
Pro: People working from home can make their own schedules.
Raise your hand if you have duties and responsibilities outside of your regular employment. I believe most (if not all) of us have raised our hands. Depending on your company’s remote work policies, you may be able to organize your day to fit non-work responsibilities.
Have to get to the doctor early in the morning? Just do it! Have you turned off your computer for an hour so you can pick up your child from school? No problem!
Working from home gives you the freedom to handle all parts of your life, whether they have to do with your job or not.
Working from home gives you the freedom to handle all parts of your life, whether they have to do with your job or not[/caption]
Cons: It might be difficult to establish a cohesive team dynamic when employees are spread out across different time zones.
According to Dan Manian, Co-Founder, and CEO of Donut, “the biggest myth about company culture is the idea that leaders can think about it later as if it’s something you can decide when you want to decide it.” In other words, “the idea that leaders can think about it later is the root of the problem.”
Working from home has perks and cons for remote teams. First, organizational culture must be deliberate. Remote teams collaborate differently than in-office teams. When team members can’t meet in person, remote culture tools and resources can help. Transparency is crucial for remote employees to work autonomously and feel engaged in their work.
Working from home has perks and cons for remote teams[/caption]
Pro: People who work from home have the ability to better balance their job and personal lives.
Work-life balance was cited as one of the primary benefits of remote work by respondents to the 2019 State of Remote Work survey. As we said previously, remote employment allows individuals to better balance personal and professional commitments.
After a quick walk around the block, you might feel more motivated to finish a project. Or maybe you need to clear your mind with some meditation before an important meeting. One of the best things about working from home is that people can plan their days so that they are productive and still have time to enjoy their lives outside of 9-to-5.
Conclusion
As more people begin working from home, it is necessary to discuss the positives and cons of working from home. Taking on any obstacles head-on ensures that everyone can successfully work from home.
Do you have any suggestions for productively working from home? Tweet us your suggestions at @IstiqurITC.
