Remote, office, or hybrid working?
Which is best?
There’s been a significant shift towards remote working in the last 5 years (a clear response to the Covid pandemic). Particularly so in the IT industry.
But although there are many pros to working from home, there are also many potential pitfalls. This article takes a deep dive into the pros and cons, and discusses the best practices to not just survive, but thrive, whatever your working setup.
The Pros of Remote Work
1. Flexibility and Work-Life Balance:
Remote work allows you to organise your own schedule, and means you can factor in personal commitments. This flexibility gives you a better balance between work and personal life, granting you the freedom to choose when and where work happens.
2. Access to a Global Talent Pool:
With WFH, businesses are no longer facing geographical constraints. Employers can access a much wider talent pool, giving them greater access to skilled professionals, and giving you more opportunities within your career.
3. Cost Savings:
Working from home means cost savings for both companies and employees. Businesses have been able to reduce their office spaces and overhead costs, contributing to a leaner financial structure. For IT professionals, many have cut down (or in some cases completely cut out) the cost of commuting.
4. Enhanced Productivity at Home:
The home environment, free from office distractions, offers more opportunities for productivity. You can create your own workspace, that’s comfortable and exactly to your liking, facilitating focused concentration and an efficient working environment.
5. Environmental Impact:
Remote work promotes a positive environmental impact by reducing commuting and, subsequently, lowering carbon emissions. This aligns with global goals for a more sustainable work model.
6. Improved Work-Life Balance:
Remote work paves the way for a healthier blend of professional and personal life. Whether it’s getting the kids to school, strolling with the dog, or managing personal tasks, the flexibility breaks the confines of a traditional office setting.
The Cons of Remote Work
1. Isolation and Loneliness:
Remote workers might miss the office banter and interactions that offices naturally create. The potential for loneliness can impact mental health and motivation.
2. Communication Challenges:
Collaborating remotely requires effective communication tools and practices. The absence of face-to-face interactions may lead to miscommunications, posing challenges for seamless teamwork.
3. Work-Life Boundaries:
The absence of clear boundaries may cause remote workers to struggle with disconnecting from work. This can lead to a higher risk of overworking without a distinct separation between professional and personal life.
4. Learning Through Osmosis and Diversifying Ideas:
Working remotely means you might miss out on learning through osmosis – being surrounded by and working alongside experienced colleagues whom you can pick up skills from. It also limits the ad-hoc communication you have with co-workers and discussing ideas. This could narrow your thinking and collaboration skills.
5. Decreased Visibility in the Office:
While remote work offers flexibility, physical presence in the office provides unique advantages. It heightens awareness of new projects and promotion opportunities, simply by being present and overhearing conversations, potentially propelling your career forward faster. Working from home means you could miss out.
6. Security Concerns:
Safeguarding sensitive data and ensuring cybersecurity becomes more challenging outside the office. IT professionals need to remain vigilant about secure connections and device management.
Best Practices for Successful Remote Work
1. Discipline and Routine:
Maintain discipline when working from home by establishing a structured routine. Take regular breaks, replicate a morning commute with a walk, and schedule face-to-face interactions with colleagues, either virtually or in-person. Set out regular working hours and stick to them.
2. Utilise Technology for Collaboration:
Leverage collaboration tools like Trello to stay organized and connected. Regular virtual meetings and catch-ups help maintain team culture. Strive for periodic in-person office visits to build and strengthen relationships.
3. Use Productivity Tools
Use tools like project management software, time-tracking apps, and collaboration platforms to streamline workflows and stay organised.
4. Set Clear Expectations
Clearly communicate expectations regarding deadlines, deliverables, and availability. This helps avoid any misunderstandings and keeps everyone on the same page.
The choice of office or remote working is a personal one. There are clear benefits for both, but it all depends on your line of work and your own preferences as to what works for you.
Many are embracing the hybrid working model, whether that’s a clear 50/50 split or a greater leaning towards WFH or office.
What is certain, is the majority of businesses are now far more flexible, and willing to accommodate their employee’s needs.
If you’re keen to explore more opportunities and find companies that will give you the flexibility you need, then check out the opportunities we have on our website.
Alternatively, give us a call:
Tel: 01489 850202
Email: info@mexasolutions.com
