Since the health crisis, remote work has become widespread. At first, it was mandatory, but the experience has been more than positive for a large number of employees. No more stress from commuting, the comfort of working in casual attire without judgment, greater freedom in managing one’s schedule… Remote work has brought many benefits. However, in-person work hasn’t had its final say. Even though only a minority enjoys being in the office all week, there are steps companies can take to avoid ending up with teams that are too geographically dispersed year-round. It is therefore primarily up to companies to adapt to this new rhythm and make office life attractive —whether in terms of ergonomics, comfort, or interpersonal relationships.
So, working from home vs. the office— which option ensures the best possible work quality for the greatest number of people?
Is Working from Home a Real Asset?
There’s no denying that having the option to work remotely is a significant advantage, especially when you consider that many jobs involving direct contact with customers or patients do not offer that option. It’s been since the COVID crisis that we’ve seen this difference between employees who remained on the front lines and those who were cordially invited to stay home to work remotely or , unfortunately, were placed on furlough.
For new remote workers, it took some getting used to a whole new rhythm and work environment.
Many people have been able to enjoy the benefits of remote work: more free time—and therefore more time with family—savings on gas or transportation costs, and the ability to set up their own office. It’s no surprise that the return to the office hasn’t been a big hit.
As the worst of the health crisis came to an end, many companies offered a hybrid work schedule alternating between in-office days and remote work days. For some, this allowed for a phased return to the office until a full return to in-person work, while for others, it enabled them to incorporate remote work into their new organizational structure.
While remote work may seem to have been adopted and implemented easily, in reality it is not that simple. Organizational, managerial, and interpersonal challenges had to be taken into account.
For employees, it’s essential to draw a clear line between free time and work time when you’re in the same environment all day, so you don’t let work take over your life. Finding a suitable place to work without being disturbed by children or other family members isn’t always easy.
The lack of interaction with coworkers and supervisors —whether regarding ongoing projects or just for friendly conversation—can be a drawback. The quality of information conveyed is often compromised when communicated via messaging or over the phone, and social connections are greatly diminished. According toIFOP, 42% of employees come to the office for the social interaction with their coworkers.
From a business perspective, making the workplace and office life more appealing is essential to keeping employees engaged with in-person work. Build trust in your employees when it comes to remote work. Manage differently and assess your teams’ effectiveness even when they’re working remotely.
Bringing back the joy of working life.
Given this surge in popularity of remote work, the office as a workplace is much less appealing for the reasons already mentioned. However, an employee is not a freelancer, and maintaining regular contact with other members of the company is essential for developing a sense of belonging. We don’t work solely to complete tasks, but to achieve common goals and contribute to the company’s growth. Therefore, gathering at the office is the best way to foster a true team spirit.
Today, the workplace is no longer a cold, characterless open-plan office where every workstation looks the same. It should now resemble a comfortable, welcoming, yet ergonomic living space where people can add their own personal touch. It should feature clearly defined spaces for rest, meetings, and workstations. Gathering in small groups of people who work together, rather than around huge conference tables, encourages interaction without making people feel like they’re being watched.
The office is a place where we meet with colleagues, socialize, and also discuss our fears or frustrations about our professional lives. This helps us clearly separate our professional and personal lives. Work relationships are more harmonious, and face-to-face interactions help clear up any misunderstandings.
Of course, whether it’s remote work or in-office work, there are pros and cons to both. Which one is more appealing depends, among other things, on a person’s personality, personal situation, and relationship with coworkers. That’s why offering a schedule that alternates between remote and in-office work—if possible—is a benefit for employees. Although remote work is more appealing, it’s necessary —with the company’s support— to shift one’s relationship with the office so that coming in becomes an essential weekly routine. Coming to the office should no longer feel like a chore, but rather a special opportunity to reconnect and review the progress of ongoing projects, all in a cozy space that’s almost like a coworking space.