Would you rather work from home?

The last week of August marks the end of the school holidays and the traffic on that day is very busy causing stress and delays for people driving to their workplaces. Working from home, which became popular during the pandemic lockdowns and social distancing, would be a smart alternative to avoid traffic jams. The question that occupies the minds of many companies after the end of the pandemic is, "Would remote work be better than office work?"

In 2020, Harvard Business Review published a survey of over 600 employees in the United States exploring the impact of remote work. The study found that participants adapted to virtual work quickly, and many reported increased productivity. They also reported reduction in negative emotions and task-related conflicts, along with improvements in self-efficacy and focus. The study showed that after two months of remote work, individuals began to establish consistent routines and manage their time better. The debate over whether working from home is better than office work continues even after the pandemic.

Advocates for office work believe it boosts workers' productivity, mood, and time management. It also enables them to communicate face to face and develop better networking opportunities while being more cost-effective. On the other hand, the downside involves a long commute and busy traffic, while some organisations encourage rigid working hours and dress codes. Some believe office work is more likely to cause work-related stress.

On the other hand, people favouring working from home believe it saves time spent commuting to and from the office, allows workers to achieve a better work-life balance, and reduces carbon footprint. They acknowledge that people working from home may be easily distracted, lack the necessary office equipment, and fall prey to toxic productivity when the worker tends to overwork in the absence of a fixed office working hours, which can eventually lead to stress and burnout.

I asked a friend who is an engineer about his opinion. he said, "I strongly prefer working from home due to several reasons. Firstly, it offers a remarkable level of flexibility, allowing me to have greater control over my work hours and schedule. The absence of a daily commute not only saves me valuable time but also reduces expenses related to transportation, work attire, and lunch. The advantages extend beyond financial savings. Working from home greatly enhances my productivity, as it minimises workplace distractions, enabling me to focus more effectively on my tasks. This, in turn, contributes to a healthier work-life balance, alleviating stress commonly associated with commuting and office-related issues. Moreover, the ability to create a comfortable and tailored workspace at home facilitates better health management. Additionally, the environmental benefits are notable, as fewer commuters mean reduced traffic congestion and lower pollution levels, aligning with sustainability goals.

Finally, whether you prefer working in the office or from home, or a mixture of both, remember to have a balanced work-life schedule so you can prevent work-related stress and be more productive in the long term.