The professional world is at a crossroads with the work-from-home debate stirring up conversations and sparking different opinions. The rise of remote work, fuelled by the pandemic, has changed the way we view the conventional office setup. But now that Covid has left us, should work-from-home leave us too?
The upside...
Work-life balance
The newfound flexibility that comes with remote working is a game-changer for those juggling professional responsibilities and family life, allowing for a more harmonious balance between the two.
Ideal for introverts
For the introverts among us, remote work is a sanctuary. The quiet and controlled environment provides a haven away from the hustle and bustle of the office.
Farewell rush-hour
Bid farewell to rush hour and commuting woes. Working from home means less time stuck in traffic or cramped in public transport, which translates to less stress and more free time.
Financial wins for all
Employees save on commuting costs, work attire, and daily lunches, whereas employers cut down on facility costs- it's a win-win for both sides.
Lower carbon footprint
Fewer people commuting means less emissions- by staying home, we're doing our bit for the planet.
Access to more talent
Not being bound to an office increases the number of people able to work in your organisation- this means there's a greater pool of talent to choose from.
The downside...
No more coffee-machine encounters
The coffee machine moments and chance encounters that spark creativity? They're casualties of remote work. Without face-to-face interactions, employees may miss out on spontaneous exchanges that drive innovation.
Communication hiccups and roadblock barriers
Remote work introduces a barrier to communication, taking away the easy opportunities to ask quick questions and learn from peers. While this may not be too problematic for those more senior in their roles, it's certainly a hindrance for newly recruited grads who could thrive off that little extra support.
Mismatching schedules
It might seem logical to have different teams in the office on alternating days, but there's something to be said about cross-team communication. Without proper coordination, teams might find themselves out of sync, diluting the collaborative magic that happens when we're all on the same page.
Lack of work-life separation
Even though remote work can free up spare time, what it doesn't do is foster a clear boundary between work and rest. When your home is your office too and there are no clear boundaries in place, it's possible you'll begin to feel a bit burned out.
Loneliness
Remote work can be isolating- without the constant chatter in the office, feelings of loneliness might begin to increase.
Say goodbye to 5 o'clock pints
Perhaps the most devastating con is leaving behind the beloved 5 pm pints; those cherished moments of camaraderie that once defined the post-work wind-down...
Finding the sweet spot
There are undoubtedly pros and cons to remote work but what really matters is finding the sweet spot for your organisation. Remote work undeniably brings benefits but it's crucial to tackle the new-found challenges head on. By embracing a flexible approach, companies can cultivate a hybrid model blending the best of both worlds and paving the way for a dynamic and adaptable future in the evolving workplace.
"What employers need to understand is that everyone is different — some workers may thrive in an office environment, and some won’t." - Gaelle Blake
Every organisation is unique, as is every individual. By building an awareness of preferences alongside organisational requirements we can help identify the most suitable individuals for each and every role to support them to be brilliant at work.
Whether you're a work-from-home organisation, committed to face-to-face work, or somewhere in between, we can help identify who will excel and in what role. That's why they call us 'the people people'. If you'd like to learn more about how we can help your organisation then drop us a line or give us a call- we'd love to get in touch.
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