After a two-year hiatus, companies are starting to call their workers back to the office. Microsoft and other big tech companies are requiring that the majority of employees make the daily drive to the office. However, other businesses, big and small, are going to a hybrid or fully remote business model. This creates two distinct working environments: one at home and one in the office. While it’s too soon to tell which side of this great job experiment will be more successful, it has companies wondering which option will bring the most rewards. Interior Fusion has compiled the pros and cons of working from home vs in the office.

Pros of Working From Home

Working from home offers fewer interruptions. Rather than getting distracted by colleagues, workers can focus more on their work, thereby raising productivity. Remote work also offers increased flexibility of hours. When employees can work around appointments and personal commitments, they are happier and healthier, as well as more productive. Finally, working from home can reduce business costs. Companies no longer have to spend thousands of dollars renting or purchasing office space. They can instead use this extra capital to improve company culture, their product, etc.

Cons of Working From Home

While there are many benefits of working from home, there are also detriments. As communication is done virtually rather than face-to-face, collaboration and company culture can suffer. There’s also the chance that employees incorrectly perceive the communication, which can lead to strife and misunderstanding between employees. Employees can also suffer from no work and life separation. When labor has no definite start and end times, their work and home lives can blur into one. This in turn can cause them to work around the clock and burn out quicker. Preventative measures need to be taken to prevent this if your company offers remote work.

Pros of Working In The Office

In the traditional way of working, there are multiple benefits to working in the office. One of the greatest is that it makes collaboration easier. Team members can meet face-to-face and not have to worry about time zones or technology issues. Being in the same space can do wonders for the company culture. The office is also specifically designed to help employees be more productive. It offers specialized software and tools, high-speed internet and more, which home offices can lack. These in-office perks alleviate the stress home working can cause.

Cons of Working In The Office

A large disadvantage to working in the office is the lack of flexibility. Some employees work better at home than others, with the vice versa also occurring. By forcing all employees back to the office, employee productivity could decrease. Businesses also suffer from a smaller talent pool. There is amazing talent around the world. By removing remote work and only accepting local talent that can work in-office, companies can lose out on highly skilled workers. Finally, businesses spend a lot of money each year on renting or purchasing office space, money that could be used more efficiently. Rather than working to better the company culture, it’s locked up in a brick-and-mortar location.

Which Option Works Best For Your Business?

There is no true answer to this question. Every business is different, as well as every employee. While some workers will gladly go back to the office, others enjoy working from home and wish to do so indefinitely. To ensure they’re productive and happy, we suggest listening to your team’s desires. Offer hybrid work options that allow all of your employees to choose what works best for them. This best of both worlds approach will leave everyone happy.

Whether you’re on the “work from home” or the “in-office” side of the Great Job Experiment, it’s important to have a comfortable working environment. Interior Fusion offers furniture for both commercial and home office space. We’ll discuss with you your needs and help you create the office space of your dreams!