The Great Debate - WFH vs. Onsite

The Great Debate: Working from Home vs. Working in the Office - Comparing the Benefits

Since March 2020, the workplace landscape has undergone a dramatic transformation, with an increasing number of companies embracing remote work options. As the debate rages on about the merits of working from home versus working in the office, it is essential to analyze the benefits each setup offers. This article will explore the advantages of both remote work and office work, focusing on collaboration, commuting, focus, flexibility, stress, and office politics.

Currently, about 58% of CareerCOACH? Services clients work from home.

Collaboration:

Working in a traditional office setting has long been lauded for its ability to foster collaboration. The physical presence of colleagues enables spontaneous interactions, impromptu meetings, and face-to-face brainstorming sessions. These encounters often lead to stronger team dynamics and innovative problem-solving. Many enjoy one day, maybe two in the office to see and work with peers.

On the other hand, remote work has proven to be surprisingly effective for collaboration. With the advancement of digital tools and communication platforms, teams can easily connect virtually, breaking down geographical barriers. Online collaboration platforms like Zoom or GoToMeeting, enable real-time discussions, file sharing, and seamless project management. Moreover, video conferencing has bridged the gap, allowing teams to conduct meetings as if they were in the same room, making remote collaboration highly efficient. Those that prefer human contact find that the 5th zoom of the day is challenging to engage with. Just like F2F meetings, online engagements should accompany an agenda and defined goals and outcomes to engage all participants.

Commuting:

The daily commute to the office is a major source of stress for many employees. Long hours spent in traffic or crowded public transport can lead to fatigue and decreased productivity. Working from home eliminates the need for a daily commute, giving employees back precious time that can be utilized for work, personal activities, or simply relaxation. The true cost of commuting has been estimated at $800 /mile/year, plus in-city parking fees. This could amount to from $18,000 - $24,000 per year or more of post-tax income just to get to an office.

However, working from home may not be viable for everyone. Some individuals may find it difficult to mentally separate work from personal life, leading to potential burnout. The office provides a clear physical boundary between work and home, allowing employees to leave work-related matters behind once they step outside the office doors. Many remote workers have adopted a co-working space rental to keep their family at a workable distance. These are typically far less than commuting each day and are reliable, neat, and available.

Focus:

The office environment can be both a blessing and a curse when it comes to focus. On one hand, the structure and routine of the office can help employees stay on task and minimize distractions. The physical presence of colleagues and supervisors can also encourage accountability and productivity. That person that keeps appearing at your door can cause repetitive interruptions killing your productivity in the office.

On the other hand, remote work provides a quieter and potentially less distracting environment for many employees. Being away from the noise and interruptions of the office can lead to improved concentration and deep work. Individuals who thrive in solitude often find that working from home allows them to reach higher levels of focus and creativity. It also allows for breaks. A walk around the block, a lunch to work out nearby, or just a soft chair to think through a strategy.

Flexibility:

Flexibility is one of the most significant advantages of remote work. Employees can design their work schedules to suit their personal preferences and needs, resulting in better work-life balance. Remote work is especially beneficial for those with family commitments, allowing them to be more present for their loved ones while still fulfilling their professional responsibilities. Often clients will hire a sitter to be at the home from 3 pm - 6 pm until the partner arrives, or if single, to finish the day up and start evening activities.

While office work may offer less flexibility in terms of hours, it does provide immediate access to resources and colleagues, making it easier to address urgent matters and collaborate in real time. Additionally, some individuals thrive in a structured environment and appreciate the set working hours of the office. If you're one of those people who is energized by being around others, WFH may not be your best option.

Stress:

Stress levels can vary between remote work and office work, depending on individual circumstances. Remote work eliminates the stress associated with commuting and allows for a more comfortable and personalized work environment. However, it may introduce new challenges, such as feelings of isolation and difficulties in separating work and personal life. Many of our WFH clients have turned to social outlets to bridge the gap. Engaging in church, MeetUp Groups, neighborhood sports, and such. Many say that's a better outlet that they couldn't engage in due to commuting each day and being exhausted.

Office work, on the other hand, can be stressful due to factors like long commutes, office politics, and open-plan layouts that may lead to distractions. Yet, being in a shared physical space may also provide emotional support through face-to-face interactions, reducing feelings of isolation. GE brought in a team of engineers (typically introverted) and placed them shoulder to shoulder on a long table of 40 engineers to build websites. While the collaboration seemed attractive, many left after a few months citing not having any personal space to work, and the noise level was not conducive. Our client left at 8 months to work on websites for a fly-fishing company in Seattle - what a change.

Office Politics:

Office politics is an inherent aspect of the traditional office environment. Navigating office politics can be demanding and may affect job satisfaction and career advancement. Remote work, to some extent, can shield employees from these political dynamics, allowing them to focus on their tasks without unnecessary distractions. Since about 2008, country politics have had a heavy hand in many companies altering culture and causing some employees to be censored or stifled leading to unwelcome discussions around the political water cooler.

Nevertheless, remote work may introduce new challenges concerning visibility and recognition. Those working from home might feel disconnected from the company's culture and decision-making processes, potentially affecting their career growth. Being seen and promoted often requires a physical presence to add to the quality of the work effort. Superiors prefer it if you are local, but with so many remote teams, nationally and internationally, companies are learning to deal with proper recognition and reviews to match.

In conclusion, both working from home and working in the office offer distinct benefits, and the choice between the two largely depends on individual preferences and job requirements. Most job postings now show whether it's an Onsite, Hybrid, or Remote offering. Payscales don't seem to be altering with remote workers like initially anticipated. It's the same job, it should be the same pay. I'm certain this will work through several iterations but consider this:

It takes about 21 days for a human to change a habit. We've been in the remote work situation now for over 3 years. This isn't going back to the old normal anytime. In addition, ESG advocates should be rewarding companies who don't require employees to drive to and from work every day. Furthermore, climate advocates should feel the same. There was nothing nicer in May 2020 to have completely clear skies with many miles of visibility when we weren't driving due to C-19.

Things to think about.

Bob Britz - Founder

CareerCOACH? Services

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