8 Must-Know Pros & Cons Of Remote Working

Remote work is a workforce practice that enables employees to work outside of a traditional office environment, usually from home.

While the world seems to have transitioned out of the worst phases of the COVID-19 pandemic, the remote work revolution looks like it’s here to stay for many employees across hundreds of industries. And as technology and communication software only continue to improve, more and more companies are looking to introduce remote working opportunities to some capacity in order to entice a better quality of candidate to join their business.

From offering more freedom and flexibility for employees to giving companies access to a wider talent pool, remote working offers several benefits to employees and employers alike. However, it also comes with its own set of challenges that need to be handled effectively to ensure employees and team remain productive. In this article, we’ll look at 8 common pros and cons of remote working.

Pro – Boosts employee productivity

It may seem somewhat surprising, but research has continued to show that far from using their time at home to skive, employees are actually more productive at home. In fact, on average, workers in the US have been shown to be 13% more productive when working from home since the start of the pandemic. This is mostly likely to do with the fact that remote workers are able to create their own schedules and work in environments which they find more conducive to their productivity.

Con – Communication gaps

Effective communication with colleagues is a crucial aspect of any productive team. But when teams are never physically together this can often lead to a lack of communication and teamwork. In an office setting, it is simple to have face-to-face conversations with team members, but as a remote worker, one must rely on digital means such as instant messaging and video calls for communication. While video conferencing can be a useful tool, it can rarely replicate the effectiveness of in-person interactions. The lack of proper communication among remote teams can hinder successful collaboration.

Pro – Increased motivation

When employees recognise that their employers are offering them greater freedom and flexibility to get on with the job, they are more likely to feel more motivated to repay that trust with a better performance. This is especially true of employees with families or personal responsibilities that make it difficult to work a traditional 9 to 5 schedule in an office setting. In addition, remote working eliminates the need for a daily commute, which can be a significant source of stress for many people.

Con – Distractions at home

Another major con of remote working is the potential for distractions at home. The line between work and personal life can become blurred, leading to difficulties maintaining focus and productivity. Common distractions include household chores, children, pets, and the temptation to engage in leisure activities during work hours. Additionally, remote workers may not have a dedicated workspace set up in the home, leading to the added stress of trying to work in uncomfortable conditions or a shared and noisy environment.

Pro – Offers greater flexibility

Flexibility is undoubtedly one of the biggest benefits of remote working. Firstly, it gives employees greater control over how they fit their life around the work responsibilities. For example, if they need to run a quick errand nearby the house or are waiting for a delivery, this can easily be achieved without disrupting their entire day. Moreover, remote working can also provide employees with the opportunity to work from anywhere, leading to increased flexibility in terms of location and travel.

Con – Creates potential cybersecurity concerns

The other major disadvantage of remote working is the increased risk of cybersecurity threats. With remote workers accessing company networks and sensitive information from personal devices and unsecured networks, the risk of data breaches and cyber-attacks increases.

Additionally, remote workers may not be familiar with the security protocols and procedures in place, leading to a greater likelihood of accidental breaches. Moreover, the lack of security and surveillance, which is present in an office setting, makes it easier for unauthorised individuals to gain access to sensitive information.

 Pro – Can result in cost savings

Remote working can also lead to cost savings for both employees and employers. For employees, eliminating a daily commute is a definite money saver, eliminating transportation costs for fuel or public transportation. Additionally, remote workers may also experience lower expenses for things like eating out for lunch and workwear.

For employers, having a remote workforce can lead to cost savings on office space and utilities. In addition, remote teams can be more cost-effective as they are not limited by geographic location, and employers can tap into a global talent pool. This can save costs associated with recruiting and training employees in specific locations.

Con – Reduces social interaction

Without the social interaction and camaraderie of a traditional office setting, remote workers may end up feeling lonely and disconnected over time. This can lead to feelings of isolation and can negatively affect an individual’s mental health and well-being. Remote workers may also miss important workplace relationships and opportunities for networking and mentorship. Furthermore, remote workers may struggle to separate their work and personal life, leading to a lack of work-life balance and burnout. The lack of physical interaction with colleagues can also make it harder for remote workers to build trust and establish relationships, negatively impacting their ability to collaborate effectively on projects.

For more helpful workplace insights, SUBSCRIBE to the Exacta Solutions newsletter today.