Why I'd choose working Onsite despite Remote being more fun!

As we navigate through this digital age where remote work is blossoming into the 'new normal', I can't help but take a little stroll down memory lane, reflecting on my diverse experiences working on-site across the US, India, and the Middle East. My outlook has also been shaped by my time as an intern at a mission-driven company that has been remote since its inception. Each has its unique benefits and challenges, but I've found on-site work to have a special appeal.

What I love about working remote

1. Better work life balance: This goes without saying. By eliminating the time, I spend to get ready for office and then commute to work, I get more time for myself and can prioritize my personal goals alongside my professional responsibilities.
2. More efficient meetings: From my experience I've found that people in general aren't fond of online meetings, and they want to get done with them as soon as possible. This disadvantage turns into an advantage when you actually see how efficient remote meetings turn out to be! To make a remote meeting work, you need to plan and coordinate to ensure that everyone's time is utilized effectively, which can lead to more focused and productive discussions.
3. Better mental health: There is something very soothing about working from the comfort of your home that just can't be replicated in the office. Also, if you're working in a toxic environment, remote work makes it easier to not get affected by office politics and the overall negativity around.

What I love about working on-site

1. Better Interactions: One of the most important skills, especially when you're in a client facing role, is your ability to pick up on verbal and non-verbal cues. Often at times, there is a difference between what people say and think, and being face to face allows you to pick up on these cues.
2. Opportunity to create relationships: Nothing compares to the impromptu hallway conversations, brainstorming on a whiteboard, or the simple act of sharing a lunch break with colleagues. These interactions, no matter how small, build relationships and foster a sense of belonging.
3. Clear Boundaries: Working on-site is the clear boundary it sets between work and personal life. When the workday ends, I can leave the office behind, both physically and mentally. This separation is more challenging to achieve when working remotely.

Why Companies Insist on On-Site Work

90% of companies say they’ll return to the office by the end of 2024 - CNBC

While remote work has undeniably become more prevalent and recognized for its numerous benefits, a considerable number of organizations still insist on employees being physically present at the workplace.

This is not entirely without reason. Over the course of several decades, these organizations have invested heavily in their office environments, transforming them into hubs of productivity.

The investment goes beyond the physical infrastructure. It extends to the minute details that contribute to creating an environment conducive to productivity and efficiency. From the color of the carpets that can have a psychological impact on the mood of the employees, to the optimal temperature settings of the air conditioning units that consider comfort and energy efficiency, to even the strategic placement and distance between cubicles to encourage both focus and collaboration - every aspect is meticulously planned.

The challenge, then, is to replicate this level of productivity in a home office setting, which is not an easy feat. To create a similar environment at home, organizations would need to make substantial investments, not just in technologies but also in team culture!

Making Remote Work, Work: Solutions

For remote jobs to work effectively, several changes must be put into place:

1. Shift from a culture of control to a culture of trust: We need to abandon the traditional mindset of constant supervision that the office culture is synonymous with. In a remote setup, the focus should be on trusting employees to manage their time and work effectively, without the need for constant monitoring.
2. Inject fun into remote work: I had more fun at my internship at Mission Minded , which was fully remote, than at any other company I've worked with as they made remote work something to look forward to. They did this through conducting regular team bonding sessions, interactive online games, and ice breakers.
3. Advocate for self-accountability: In a remote working environment, personal accountability becomes crucial. Companies need to create a culture where everyone takes responsibility for their work and deadlines, fostering a sense of ownership and commitment to their roles.

My Preference: On-Site Work

Even though working remotely has been the most fun I've had, I would still choose to work on-site. The sense of camaraderie, the energy, and the interpersonal relationships that are built in an office environment are incomparable.

In conclusion, both on-site and remote work have their own unique advantages. The choice between the two really depends on one's personal preferences and work style. What's important is finding a balance that allows you to be productive, satisfied, and happy in your work.