If someone asks you to choose between working from home vs office, what would you choose? Both options have their own pros and cons, which would also differ with personal factors like one’s age, family, and health and economic conditions. Basically, working from home allows you flexible work hours, more freedom and independence while working at office offers you a chance for socialization, networking with others.
Many positions in the modern job market allow the convenience of working remotely. However, both these options -working from home and working from office – have their own pros and cons.
Key Areas Covered
1. Working from Home
– Features, Pros and Cons
2. Working from Office
– Features, Pros and Cons
3. Working from Home vs Office
– Comparison of Key Differences
Key Terms
Working from Home, Working from Office
Working from Home – Pros and Cons
Working from home is getting more and more popular in the job markets. Many jobs, especially jobs that involve using computers and online, today offer the option of working from home. There are many benefits to working from home.
Pros
- Saves time
One of the major advantages of working from home is that you won’t waste time commuting back and forth to the office. So there is no need to get dressed hurriedly, skip breakfast or sit hours in traffic. You can use this extra time in a meaningful manner.
- Flexible schedule
You can start and stop work when you want. You can start work a little earlier or take a longer lunch break. As long as you cover the mandatory hours and complete your work, there won’t be an issue.
- Independence and Freedom
Working from home gives you a certain degree of independence. It also teaches you concentration, focus, self-discipline, and self-motivation. Unlike in a traditional office, you are also free to wear anything during your work hours; you can even work in your pyjamas.
- More time with your family
Another big advantage of working from home is that it allows you more free time to spend with your family. This is especially useful if you are married and have children.
Despite all these benefits, working from home also has some downfalls, as given below.
Cons
- No Socialization
When you are not at the office, you won’t be able to spend time with your colleagues and supervisors. You’ll be all alone at your home, which will even begin to feel like solitary confinement. This is especially true in the case of extroverts, who like to be in the company of others.
- Technical Issues
At office, if you face any technical issues, there’ll be tech support staff who will help you to deal with them. But, if you face such issues at home, you have to deal with them yourself.
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Self-Discipline
When you are working from home, it’s very easy to lose focus, and switch to household chores or surfing the web. If you are not self-disciplined, this may be very difficult for you.
Working from Office – Pros and Cons
Although some people find it more convenient to work from home, some others still prefer the traditional way – working from office. Working from office often involves working during traditional work hours – 9 am to 5 pm. Like working from home, it also has its own pros and cons.
Pros
- Ability to socialize and network with colleagues
- Easy to communicate with others
- Technical support easily available
- Fixed work hours improve your time management skills
- Improve interpersonal skills
Cons
- The commute takes more time
- Stationary position leads to a sedentary lifestyle
- Limits time with family
- Strict schedule – no flexibility
Working from Home vs Office
Commute
When you are working from home, there is no commute, so it saves your time. However, when you work at an office, you have to commute back and forth to work, wasting a few hours a day.
Flexibility
Working from home allows flexible work hours whereas working from office usually involves strict work hours, typically 9 am to 5 pm.
Dress Code
Moreover, when you work from home, you can wear whatever you want; however, most offices have a dress code, which demands employees to wear formal clothes.
Family Time
While working from home allows you to spend more time with your family, working from office doesn’t.
Technical Issues
If you encounter technical issues while working from home, you have to deal with them yourself. But if you encounter technical issues at office, you can obtain help from technical support staff.
Socialization and Networking
Working from home doesn’t give you a chance to socialize and network with others while office is a good place to socialize and network with colleagues.
Self-Discipline
Working from home requires a certain level of self-discipline, focus and concentration; if you don’t have them, you should work from office.
Independence
Furthermore, working from home allows you more independence and freedom than working from office.
Conclusion
In brief, working from home allows you flexible work hours, more freedom and independence while working at office offers you a chance for socialization, networking with others. Moreover, working from home saves more time as there is no commute like in working from office. This is the basic summary of working from home vs office.
Reference:
1. McCafferty, Dennis. “The Pros and Cons of Working in an Office.” Baseline, Available here.
2. Papandrea, Dawn. “Want to Work from Home? Understand the Pros and Cons before Deciding.” Monster Career Advice, Available here.
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