Work From Home Vs Office Space: A Shift in Demand
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The COVID-19 pandemic changed the nature of work. Overnight, most of the population was confined to working from home. As we slowly return to normalcy today, there is a crucial debate: should employees continue to work from home or return to offices? There is an exciting shift in demand, with some people preferring a remote work option and others eager to get back and experience the benefits of office spaces. Let’s look at both sides of the argument.
Increase in Demand of Work from Home (WFH)
Working from home has gained immense popularity. When the pandemic struck, it was the safest option. Companies immediately adapted, and employees started working from home. Time passed, and both businesses and workers noticed the benefits of this setup.
- Flexibility: It’s an apparent significant benefit. Employees can work at the time most conducive to their productivity. They could be early risers or night owers. They can tailor the whole schedule.
- No Commute Required: The daily trudge to work always seemed so stressful for many people. Not having to go to an office and then return home saves time and money. It also reduces traffic and pollution to some extent.
- Work-life Balance: Work-life balance would be much improved because with enough time at home, most of the employees’ time would be spent with their families, thereby improving the work-life ratio.
Why Employees Choose Work from Home?
Working from home is something many people have developed an acceptance of. Here’s why:
- Work Comfort: One can create his perfect work environment. He can select a chair, desk, or work from his bed or couch, depending on his choice.
- More Control of Time: When an employee is left to manage time without the specifications of an office schedule, he has better control of time. He can take breaks and even go about his errands.
- Increased Productivity: Many people claim to be more productive when working from home. No office distractions exist so that they can focus better on their tasks.
- Less Stress: Working from home reduces stress. The pressure of commuting, office politics, and rigid schedules are avoided.
The Challenges of Work from Home
But everything is not perfect when working from home. There are several challenges:
- Social Isolation: Working remotely can be a solitary affair. One talks to colleagues in office joints, coffee breaks, and attends meetings. At home, very few of these casual interactions exist with colleagues since one sits in front of the computer or laptop screen facing virtual meetings that can be impersonal.
- Distractions at Home: Not everybody can focus well from home. Some people suffer distractions due to family, pets, or household chores. Some find it difficult to distinguish between the different spheres of life.
- Work-Life Balance Issues: While working from home provides better work-life balance, very few have it more challenging to “switch off.” The place is not defined as a place between work and home; therefore, they take some time to work even longer.
- Technology Issues: Home office situations do not suit all. A few have a slow internet connection due to improper equipment setup or other technical issues that make work grueling.
Office Spaces Demand: Why Is it Increasing?
Despite the popularity of working from home, people miss offices. Here’s why:
- Structured Workday: In an office, the day is structured. People come in at the beginning and go home at the end of the day. There’s a sense of structure that may make it easier to concentrate and be productive.
- Collaboration and Teamwork: It’s far easier to collaborate in person. Quick chats at someone’s desk or brainstorming sessions are difficult to replicate online.
- Accessibility to Resources: Offices are generally better equipped and resourced. High-speed internet, printers, scanners, and other office tools are more accessible. This makes specific tasks easier to complete.
- Professional Environment: Working in an office creates a clear distinction between personal and professional life. The office is a space dedicated to work, while the home is for relaxation. This helps some maintain better boundaries with family.
- Networking Opportunities: The office presents the networking opportunity. Facilitating face-to-face meetings, casual chats with managers, and office events helps build professional relationships that cannot be developed online quickly.
The Hybrid Work Model
There are advantages and disadvantages of work from home and office space. Almost all companies opt for the hybrid work model, meaning the employees split their time between working from home and at the office. This will provide the best of both worlds.
- Flexibility with Structure: With the best of both worlds, when the employee gets to enjoy the flexibility of working from home, he also gets to enjoy the structured environment of the office on certain days.
- Increased Collaboration: Teams can schedule an in-office collaboration when needing to work close to one another, allowing them to individually return home and spend their time focusing on individual work from home.
- Improved Work-Life Balance: The hybrid model allows employees to spend time with their families and avoid their constant daily commutes while maintaining a routine.
The New Office Space Demand
Once more open, the demand for office space has changed. Some organizations are finding it helpful to reduce the size of offices. Others allow their employees to work from home 100%, but most employ a hybrid.
- Less Office Space: Most companies are no longer requiring large offices. With fewer employees coming in every day, they reduce their office sizes. This way, most companies save on rent and utilities.
- Plushy Office Spaces: It has become fashionable for some companies to use plush office spaces. These managed offices have well equipped meeting rooms, state-of-the-art interiors, modern amenities. Explore BHIVE office spaces in Bengaluru and Mumbai.
- Coworking Spaces: Coworking spaces also gain increasing demand. Coworking refers to shared offices wherein employees from various companies collaborate. This helps to keep an office presence without signing on for a whole lease.
Also read: How to Find the Right Enterprise Coworking Space for Your Team?
What Employees Expect?
Employer preferences are pushing the tide in demand. According to the survey, most employees need flexibility. Some want to work from home entirely, while others prefer going to the office part-time.
- Younger Generations: It is generally preferred by the younger generations, including young career starters, since they like office working environments. They believe the setting offers much better networking, mentorship, and learning.
- Experienced Employee: Experienced workers, more so with strong family ties, would prefer working from home. They like the flexibility in balancing between work and personal engagements.
- Health and Safety Concerns: Some employees are still worried about their health. They may want to avoid those crowded office spaces by working from home.
Suggested read: Enterprise grade managed offices enhance workplace experience!
Conclusion
Demand for working from home and office spaces is changing. While remote working has become necessary due to the pandemic, it has proven beneficial for long-term purposes. On the other hand, many employees miss the structure and collaboration of the office. Shortly, one can guess that a hybrid work model seems to be the best solution while offering flexibility and balance. Those companies able to adapt will likely thrive, and those unable to adapt will struggle to keep the best talent.
Work is, no doubt, changing, and businesses and employees alike are learning to adapt. BHIVE Workspace offers flexible office solutions if you are looking for the perfect workspace that adjusts to the changing demands of modern work- catering both to remote workers and businesses seeking hybrid spaces.