9 Pros and cons of working remotely from home

UNICORN BLOG

Remote Working

There are many pros to working remotely from home. You can save on commuting costs, have a more flexible schedule, and avoid office distractions. However, there are also quite a few cons, such as not having a dedicated workspace, and finding it difficult to separate work from home life.

It can be difficult to separate work from home life

The pros of working remotely from home

There are many pros to working from home as technology has made it easier to connect with people and resources from anywhere in the world.

No commute or traffic jams

Working from home has its advantages, especially when it comes to avoiding traffic. There is no more sitting in a car for hours on end, or dealing with the stress of a commute. For people who live in areas with heavy traffic, this can be a huge time-saver.

Save money on office lunches and travel

Traveling to and from work can be a significant expense, especially if you live in a city with high transportation costs. One of the pros of working remotely is that you can eliminate this expense by working from home.

Office lunches can take a sizeable chunk of your monthly income. When working remotely, there is no need to buy lunch out every day, therefore it is possible to save a lot of money on food costs.

Create your own schedule

Working remotely and being able to create your own schedule is great for people who have family responsibilities and other personal commitments that require a more flexible way of working. A traditional 9-5 work day, is not always compatible with the demands of modern life.

Work in your pyjamas

The thought of being able to wear what you want, and not having to worry about buying expensive clothes that you'll only wear a few times a year can be really appealing.

Working from home in your pyjamas might sound really attractive, but without the office clothes, some people feel less confident in their business interactions. Whilst others miss having the opportunity to dress up.

The ability to avoid office distractions

Another benefit of being a remote worker, is that you can avoid office distractions, such as colleagues chatting or loud noises. This can help you focus more on your work and be more productive.

Home working isn't always easy, you may find other causes of distraction such as pets and kids requiring food and attention.

Avoid office politics

Working remotely from home can be a great way to avoid office politics. You can steer clear of office gossip at the water cooler, and the latest work-life drama. This leaves you free to focus on work without distractions.

However, working remotely can be lonely, and it's possible to miss out on important office dynamics that could advance your career.

Boost your productivity

If you are self-motivated and disciplined, working from home can be a great way to boost productivity, away from the noise and interruptions of the office.

If you are fortunate to have a dedicated workspace, you can eliminate distractions and create a more focused work environment, that is optimised for productivity.

More time for exercise and hobbies

One of the biggest pros of remote working is that you have more time for exercise and hobbies. Commuting to and from work, can eat up a lot of time. Instead, this time can be better spent on a workout or a hobby.

If you are looking for a healthier lifestyle, working from home, can be a great option, as it is easier to take regular breaks throughout the day, and stay active. You'll just need to be careful you don't get too distracted.

Reduced stress levels

Working from home can be a great way to reduce stress levels. It eliminates the hassle and cost of a commute, which can be a major cause of stress.

Remote workers also have more control over their environment, and work schedules. They can reduce stress by taking regular breaks from work activities, and can take time to exercise.

The cons of working remotely from home

There are some cons to consider before deciding to work from home. Some find that after a while they prefer to return to their office or find a local coworking space where they can work remotely.

Limited workspace at home

While there are many pros to working from home, one major con for many is the lack of dedicated workspace. You might find yourself awkwardly balancing your laptop on the breakfast bar or sharing the sofa with children and pets.

It can be difficult to stay focused and be productive when you're working in a cramped space or sitting in areas that are being used by other members of the family. Having a dedicated area in the home that can be used as an office is essential.

Isolation and lack of face-to-face communication

One of the biggest drawbacks of working remotely from home, is that it can lead to feelings of isolation and loneliness.

Communicating with your co-workers virtually isn't the same as the face-to-face interactions that you have in a traditional office setting. It may also be more difficult to access support from your team, or help with a project.

Taking time out to talk with friends or family members whilst working from home can reduce the sense of isolation. However, it is worth considering joining a coworking space where you can interact with other like-minded professionals.

Not having access to company resources

Working remotely can limit your access to the resources available when at work premises. This can include things like office equipment, printers, and meeting rooms.

You may need to invest in some additional equipment, like a good computer and reliable internet connection, to be able to work effectively from home.

Losing productivity due to distractions

Without the structure of an office environment, it can be easy to get sidetracked without a set schedule. If you are easily distracted, working from home can make it harder to focus, stay motivated, and be productive.

There are lots of potential distractions like the TV, household chores, and family members requiring your attention. This can lead to a loss of productivity and it may even impact the quality of your work.

Increased risk of burnout

Working from home has been associated with an increased risk of burnout, as it can be easy to work longer hours when you're not in the traditional 9-5 office setting.

It may be difficult to switch-off from work and allow work to encroach on your personal time. This can lead to an unhealthy work-life balance.

Difficulty getting promotions or raises

If you're looking to move up the corporate ladder, working remotely from home may not be the best option. Many employers are hesitant to promote or give raises to employees who they don't see in person on a regular basis.

It can be harder to build relationships with your colleagues and superiors when you're not working side-by-side with them.

If you're content with your current position and salary, working from home can be a great option; but if you're hoping for a big promotion or raise, you may want to consider a more traditional office setting.

Lack of job security

In today's economy, job security is a major concern for many workers. With more and more companies downsizing or even going out of business, workers are increasingly worried about their future. The nature of some remote working contracts, means that it may be easier for employers to let you go without notice.

If your company goes out of business or decides to downsize, you could be out of a job. Since you are not working in an office, you may have a harder time networking and making contacts that can help you secure a new one.

Potential conflict with family members

One potential downside of working from home is that it can create conflict with family members. If you're used to having set office hours, working from home can be disruptive as it can conflict with other family member's schedules.

If you don't have a dedicated workspace, it can be difficult to find the quiet and focus you need to get work done.

Increased stress levels

Working remotely from home can be a great way to reduce stress but for some people the isolation from colleagues, feeling like you are always "on call", and difficulty with creating a healthy work-life balance, can significantly increase stress levels.

It is important to find ways of alleviating the stress. One prospective solution could be to remote work at a coworking studio.

Remote working at Unicorn Studios

If you are finding it difficult to achieve a healthy work-life balance, are less productive, and missing the social interactions, then remote working at Unicorn Studios could be a great option for you.

We offer very flexible, shared workspaces, access to like-minded professionals, high-speed WiFi, and many of the facilities available in traditional offices.