The corporate world is adapting to a work-from-home lifestyle in a way that hasn’t been normalized before. Though there are perks to this change — such as saving money on transportation and the ability to be home with children — there can also be remote working disadvantages. From distractions in the house to a lack of motivation and structure, the drawbacks of telecommuting could be detrimental to your productivity and ultimately the bottom line.

Separating Work From Personal Life

A satisfying aspect of reporting to an office is the ability to leave that environment at the end of the day. When employees commute to a corporate building, it usually makes them more appreciative of home, especially since the latter is typically more relaxed than the former. In a work-from-home situation, the demands of family life could draw attention from professional tasks. Working in an office eliminates those personal distractions and enables you to “log off” when the workday is complete, allowing you to recharge for the next day.

Concentration Difficulties

Another disadvantage of working from home is that concentration can take a hit. You might take more frequent breaks or struggle to focus on professional matters in your personal environment, causing motivation and organization to suffer. It’s tempting to stray off task, especially if you have pets or children that need attention. In the office, you can focus on the work-related projects at hand, surrounded by teammates who can help keep you on track.

Lack of Space or Equipment

Many people don’t prioritize an office space in their house when decorating. Without a proper desk or chair, bad posture and untidiness can become a problem. A professional bearing isn’t a primary concern when you’re in the comfort of home, so ergonomic problems can understandably pose a threat to your physical well-being. At work, however, you likely have a designated space to perform your duties. Not only can an office help you physically, but it can also get you into the right mindset to be productive.

Household Noise and Distractions 

Though you might not notice certain household noises on your days off, they may become more distracting during the week. The common sounds in a house — such as washing machines, dishwashers, barking dogs, the TV or chattering children — can interrupt your focus and prove to be another downside of working from home. The office combats these issues, as it is designed to keep productivity high and distractions low using adequate lighting, distanced workstations and designated meeting rooms.

Difficulty Monitoring Performance

When each employee is at home, managers may have difficulty monitoring their employees’ productivity and performance. Without adequate staff collaboration, task flow could become strained, especially at companies where regular meetings are required for project communication. Working in the office benefits the team with more opportunities for cooperation and teamwork. 

It’s not impossible to remain productive and successful at home, but there are certain disadvantages of telecommuting that can make working in an office preferable. To improve the experience of an office, consider Pillar Booth’s soundproof privacy booth.

See the following phone booths for sale.

Soundproof meeting booths

Soundproof privacy booth

2 person phone booth

The best phone booths and meeting pods for your office.

These sustainable units provide the ultimate getaway that encourages productivity and flexibility. If you can maintain balance in the work environment, you are more likely to remain a dependable presence on the team.

Sources:

https://pillarbooth.com/blogs/blog/staying-focused-in-stressful-times

https://www.officereality.co.uk/blog/advantages-and-disadvantages-of-working-from-home

https://www.thebalancesmb.com/the-disadvantages-of-working-at-home-2948688

Image credit: Photo by Windows on Unsplash