When the pandemic hit, and we were all forced to adapt to a new way of life, the ability to work from home became a necessity for most businesses. The ones that could create a work-from-home culture did so, and the ones that couldn’t implement such a structure had a more difficult go of things. That was three years ago, but what’s the best option now? Is working from home still beneficial for employees? Or should we return to what we knew as the norm before chaos ensued? Whatever you decide is best for your business, here are some points to consider.
Community and Teamwork
The work-from-home culture has its benefits, but there are some areas where it can fall short. One of those areas is community and teamwork. While virtual teams can chat, Zoom, and share software to collaborate on projects, the remote environment doesn’t always work as well to establish a sense of community. The closer a team is, the likelier they are to stick together and grow together. That’s why employee retention is highest in companies where the employees have become friends. Seeing each other in person, even if it’s on a hybrid schedule, works to build a sense of community.
Work-Life Balance and Burnout
You hear it all the time that those who work from home enjoy a more comfortable work-life balance. That may be true for many, but no rule is universal, and this does come down to each team member’s personal ability to compartmentalize when it’s time to clock out. One thing you don’t hear as much from those who enjoy the work-from-home culture is that it can be difficult to “unplug,” and separate work from home if you’re living your personal life in the same space that you’re working. This can easily lead to burnout for those unable to pull away from work, and employees experiencing burnout are often impossible to motivate again.
Structure and Organization
Working from home is ideal for those who are highly disciplined, and don’t need outside factors to guide them in staying structured and organized. It makes sense for them to work in their own environment and turn over high levels of productivity (until they experience burnout, as mentioned above). While this can be true for that specific personality type, it’s not true for everyone. Those who would benefit from the structure of reporting to an office each day would be on their own to create their own structure from home, and they may not be as organized or efficient when left to their own devices. These employees might find that they lack balance and can’t meet their full potential when an environment outside the home is not provided.
Beat the Drawbacks of Work from Home Culture with 1Rivet
For companies managing in-office and hybrid schedules, 1Rivet can help with facilities management services. 1Rivet’s core foundation is ensuring client success, and we make sure to deliver value and quality work as a strategic partner to our clients. Contact us today to learn more about making a return to the office.
