For some, the opportunity to work remotely can seem like a gift from above. For others it may be hell on earth. If you’re considering setting up a home office, we’ve highlighted the key pros and cons of WFH.
Of course, we each have different home environments which can bring their own challenges. Along with our preferred ways of working and our unique personalities.
So whether you’ve chosen to work from home, or it’s no longer an option to base yourself at HQ, it’s important to understand the ups and downs so you can plan ahead and make it work for you.
The Advantages of Working From Home
Let’s take a look at the key pros when it comes to remote working…
1 – It Saves Time
No more commuting! Depending on how far away from the office you live, working from home could save you a lot of time.
Just think of that extra half hour you could spend in bed. Or maybe you could head for a quick swim before work. Or you’ll have time for a gym sesh when you’ve finished.
There are so many things you could do with those extra minutes or hours. How will you spend yours?
2 – It Saves Money
Travel costs to and from the office can make a massive dent in your income. You could save a small fortune working from home.
You could also save money on trips to the coffee shop during breaks. Or heading out for a treat at lunchtime.
It all adds up – that latte and croissant every morning, the visit to Nando’s or Pizza Express, the M&S Food Hall. (A personal favourite.)
Sure, have a treat now and then but keep the costs down by making your own lunch, snacks and tasty beverages.
3 – Healthier habits
By preparing your own food and drinks, you also have more control over what goes into them. You can easily cut down on sugar, salt or any other other nasties for a healthier diet.
If you kit your home office out right, you can reduce the time you spend sitting at your desk. Use a standing desk or desk converter to alternate between sitting and standing.
Or use an under desk treadmill to increase your activity and blitz your steps target. When designing your home workspace, you have more freedom to choose which equipment will work best for you.
Plus, if you’re getting stressed out you can take 5 to get yourself back on track without Janice from reception tutting as she walks past you mid-meditation.
4 – More Control
Working from home gives you more control over your environment.
You can choose your decor to suit your own taste…no more bland magnolia or white, white, white. (Unless you prefer the clinical look, which is cool if it works for you.)
You also get to decide on the right temperature and lighting. You can make your workspace comfortable for you without having to worry about your co-workers.
Of course, if you’re sharing your workspace with the people you live with, you’ll need to consider them as well. But it’s generally easier to reach a compromise with the people you live with.
5 – Less Distractions
It can be too easy to get distracted when you’re surrounded by co-workers.
Perhaps the noise levels make it difficult to concentrate – from chitter-chattering to phones ringing to keyboards clattering.
Or maybe Susan from admin is doing the rounds and trying her damndest to get you involved in the latest office politics.
It could be the big-wigs coming down from head office, clients visiting, candidates arriving for interview or any number of other distractions. Working from home can be bliss if you struggle to get on with all this going on around you.
The Disadvantages of WFH
Of course, there are some disadvantages as well. Here are the main ones…
1 – Feeling Isolated
If you enjoy being around people, it can be pretty lonely working from home, especially in the beginning as you adjust to your new routine.
Maybe you’ll miss the Friday afternoon meetings with tea and doughnuts. Or sharing your successes with your team members. Or venting off about Sheila in accounts in your coffee break.
If you need regular support and coaching, you may feel out on a limb and “forgotten” about if that support isn’t there precisely when you need it. Or perhaps you’ll miss helping others, especially the newer team members or those with less experience than you.
If remote working has left you feeling lonely, check out our top 10 tips on How to Stop Feeling Isolated Working From Home.
2 – Self-Discipline
WFH requires self-discipline. You have a job to do during work hours. Not watching TV, gaming, doing housework or any other distraction which you think you might get away with.
If you find it difficult to stay on task without a watchful eye over your shoulder, then you’ll need to put some systems in place to help you. For starters, working to a timetable and listing your objectives can help to give you a clear focus.
But it’s going to be hard for you at first if you’re not used to managing yourself and giving yourself a kick up the butt when you’re slacking. Good luck!
3 – Motivation
There are those who thrive on the opportunity to work in isolation. They work better away from others and are able to get the job done well in record time. They are confident in themselves and have the right skills and experience to sail through the day.
But for others, not having colleagues around can be a real downer. Not having someone to moan to or to ask a question if they get stuck. No one to pop out for a coffee or go for a walk with at lunchtime.
We each have different motivators, but if you’re that person who relishes being part of the team and being physically present, then there’s a good chance your motivation will take a hit once you’re working remotely. Times that by 1,000 if working from home was not your choice.
4 – Productivity
When motivation levels are low, so follows lower productivity. If you’re not happy then it’s harder to get the job done. And if you’re not interested in what you’re doing, you’re probably not going to do it well anyway.
If you’re fairly new to the job or haven’t been trained sufficiently, then you’re probably going to struggle to complete tasks without a helping hand or a friendly mentor on call to steer you in the right direction.
Motivation and productivity go hand in hand, so if you’re struggling, speak up. Discuss it with a manager or colleague and address the issue before it leads to ongoing performance issues and disciplinary action.
You’re probably not the only person struggling a little and a good employer will have systems in place to offer you the support you need remotely.
5 – Dealing With Distractions
Of course, the office can be full of distractions. But the home office comes with challenges of its own.
From noisy kids (or grown ups) to dogs, cats, neighbours. To that spec of dust on the shelves which demands immediate attention. (Before you know it you’re blitzing the house from top to bottom.)
Maybe you could do a little ironing as well…that would be OK wouldn’t it?
And surely you deserve an extra break today?
Again, you need to remain focused and practise self-discipline. This is easier for some than others.
Final Thoughts on the Pros and Cons of WFH
There’s no “one size fits all” when it comes to remote working. As each office comes with its own challenges and limitations, so does each home. So by understanding the key pros and cons of WFH you can better prepare yourself for this new way of working.
As well as enjoying the advantages, you can plan your way around the down side of remote working. So yes, go ahead and enjoy the extra time you have, along with the extra money you save. But also look for ways to improve your self-discipline. Ask for support if you’re feeling isolated. Share ideas with your colleagues on improving productivity and motivation.
Whichever challenges are personal to you, you’re probably not alone. So remember that work time is work time, be kind to yourself, help others out when you can and remember that you’re still part of the team, wherever you are.
What do you find most challenging about WFH? How do you deal with distractions in the home? What do you do with those extra hours you’ve gained? Share your remote working tips…we’d love to hear from you. Comment in the box below or email jane@standingdeskuk.com.
