According to the former Asda chairman and member of the conservative party, working from home has created a generation who are “not doing proper work”. Let’s debate…
Arguments For Working From Home
Work-life balance: working from home provides flexibility to be able to accommodate personal or family needs, the removal of commuting time adds to this. Obtaining a healthy work-life balance is proving to be increasingly more important due to the mental health crisis the UK is experiencing.
Cost saving: having more people work from home means fewer desks are required in offices, this is a huge cost saver for businesses looking to expand as renting or building office space comes with its heavy financial burdens.
Accessibility: according to the world health organisation, the number of people being diagnosed with disabilities is increasing. Whilst businesses must adapt their offices/places of work to fit these disabilities, it is not always possible to work away from home. Therefore, having a virtual office allows those with accessibility needs (physical or mental) to work.
Climate: quite simply, less travel means fewer carbon emissions and consequently, slower climate change.
Arguments Against Working From Home
Isolation: working from home can prove isolating, especially those living alone or in new locations due to limited social and networking opportunities.
Technical Complications: at home offices rarely have IT services, therfore overcoming technical complications can be difficult and inefficient, having an effect on overall productivity. However, with effective remote systems, these errors should be rare.
Security: this is most likely a concern for most businesses that handle personal data, however, it can especially be a concern for those dealing with highly confidential or sensitive information.
Personal Costs: working from home means you are paying for the utilities that power your home, which would usually be off during the day. Similarly, some offices offer free food and beverages, but this isn’t the case at home.
WFH offers flexibility, cost savings, and accessibility but can lead to isolation, technical issues, and additional costs for employees. So, perhaps it shouldn’t be about what is best for the business, maybe individuals should be given a voice to convey the environment in which they work best. It’s not necessarily a one-solution-fits-all situation.
Not My Monkey 