WFH or WFO?

Working from home (WFH) has become increasingly popular ever since the COVID-19 pandemic, and there are many benefits that makes it a desirable option for both employers and employees.

Improved work-life balance

Working from home improves work-life balance, as employees are able to integrate work more easily into their lives without sacrificing personal time. With no commute, employees have more time to exercise, spend time with family and friends, pursue hobbies, or simply relax and recharge. This can lead to improved mental health and reduced stress levels, which can in turn lead to increased productivity and job satisfaction.

Cost saving for both employers and employees

Working from home can lead to cost savings for both employees and employers. Without a daily commute, employees save on transportation costs and can also save on other expenses such as parking, meals, and work clothing. Employers can also save on office space and related expenses, such as utilities and office supplies.

Access to a wider pool of talent

Finally, working from home can also give employers access to a wider pool of talent. With remote work, location is no longer a barrier to employment, and companies can hire the best candidate for the job regardless of where they live. This can be particularly beneficial for companies in rural or remote areas, where it may be difficult to find qualified candidates locally.

While there are many benefits to working from home, there are also some potential drawbacks that should be considered.

Tendency to overwork

One of the benefits of working from home is that there isn't any commute time which might save you somewhere between 1 to 2 hours each day. However, you might inevitably spend that time saved to work more. While this is commonly practiced in Asian culture, it is thought to be frowned upon in some companies and it is in fact illegal in countries like Germany to be working more than 8 hours a day.

Distractions

The line between home and work becomes blurry when you WFH, because often at times there are no clear boundaries between personal and professional time. Children, pets, housework, TV, and even community activities can easily distract you.

Dependence on technology

Remote work relies heavily on technology, and technical issues can lead to disruptions and lost productivity. This includes internet connectivity, software issues, and hardware problems, such as computer crashes.

WFH or WFO, which do you prefer?