WORK FROM HOME- PROS AND CONS

Well! The phrase ‘Work from Home’ has become quite common in our lives today and all credit goes to the global pandemic aroused by COVID 19. The corporations have ensured to continue their business operations by allowing employees to work from home. In this regard, it can be said that the digital era is a boon since we, the employees are able to perform remote work and earn our living. The ‘Work from Home’ trend has primarily begun due to the availability of freelancing jobs in the market. In the 21^st Century, students of high schools or colleges look for ways to earn money along with studying. Many organizations provide opportunities to such students as well as other individuals who wish to earn money at home to work as freelancers. However, the extent to which Work from home can be considered beneficial is questionable. So, let’s have a look to the pros and cons of working from home or working remotely.

Pros/Advantages

Flexibility

Do you know what Herzberg said about employee motivation? Herzberg proposed the two-factor theory to depict the hygiene factors (basic needs) and motivators for employees. As per his theory, flexible working conditions tend to be the hygiene factor or basic need of employees. While working from home, it’s easier for employees to take breaks and spend the much needed time with family.

No travelling, no commuting

There’s no rush to board a train or bus and reach office on time. There’s no stress of going through a long traffic jam and reaching office late. There’s also no need of travelling a large distance and tiring yourself. Work from home allows employees to eat on time, take rest and the required sleep as well.

Fewer distractions

Besides cutting the travelling time, employees get a peaceful environment to work. The hustle and bustle as well as stressed atmosphere in the office often distracts employees from giving their best performance. However, one needs to set up the working space at home such that there are no interruptions.  

Financially beneficial

As I mentioned earlier, remote workers do not feel the need to travel to offices and thus it is natural that they save a great deal of money. Along with travel costs, the costs of eating out or having lunch from the outside stalls, cafes or restaurants are cut. At office, one will not bother to buy a coffee paying almost double the actual costs but at home the same person will surely spend five minutes to brew coffee, thereby saving the money.

So you see, Work from Home offers the much desired benefits to the employees. Now let’s have a look to the other side of it.

Cons/Disadvantages

Unorganized work

I don’t think that while working at office one gets the opportunity to watch a movie on Netflix or chat with friends on Facebook or Whatsapp so often as one does while working at home. In this sense, it can be said that Work from home tends to provide too much flexibility to workers which is not good. This makes it difficult for employees to act in an organized manner or follow a strict routine for accomplishing the tasks.

Laziness and lack of energy

The office environment, the communication with colleagues, face-to-face meetings with managers always boosts up our energy to perform tasks. At home, we, the employees lack socialization which tends to reduce our motivation and energy to do work. Besides that, some often sleeps at unusual times or take power naps in between work which may only cause delays but also cause the individual to miss important calls.

Mandatory need of strong internet connection and backup

It is of utmost importance for employees to have strong network or internet connection for delivering the tasks. Moreover, in case of power cut or slower networks, one may need to arrange backup plans if their organization demands.

Longer time to solve problems or resolve queries

While at office, you can drop a mail and at the same time communicate about your issue to the manager or other authority directly, at home, all you can do is wait for their reply on mail or Whatsapp. This increases the time of solving your problems or resolving issues.

So, I must say that for avoiding the negativities while working from home, you need to ensure that you follow a strict routine and carry out tasks in an organized way. Save your movies or games for weekends. Chat less with friends and concentrate on your work more. Lastly, enjoy flexibility but do not take advantage of it.