The COVID-19 pandemic taught us that it’s possible to break free from the traditional work arrangement.
Now that things are going back to normal, most of us have the option to work in person or continue working at home.
Remote work provides more flexibility, a safer space, and a better life-work balance.
Conversely, an in-person work setup allows employees to separate work from personal life, as there’s a distance between the two. Plus, it makes them feel socially belonged.
Remote work vs. in-person work: What are the pros and cons? Keep reading to find out!
What Is Remote Work?
Remote work is an arrangement that allows an employee to work 100% at home or in any place other than the official site. It’s a great way to avoid the hassle of commuting and gain more time for personal pursuits.
Although this setup seems fantastic, it’s crucial to weigh its pros and cons before considering getting or choosing a remote job.
Pros Of Remote Work
- Remote work provides flexibility, so it becomes easy for employees to balance work and life.
- Working remotely can improve employees’ mental health, according to Forbes.
- This setup helps the workers save more.
- It reduces the risk and number of employees getting sick.
- Working remotely means less commute, less carbon footprint, and more time for the planet to breathe and heal.
Cons Of Remote Work
- It’s difficult to discuss important matters with colleagues or managers.
- Some employees may struggle to separate leisure and work, as they tend to focus on the latter.
- Without active supervision, it may be hard to stay motivated.
- Employees miss out on social interaction.
- Contrary to one of its benefits, working remotely can also increase the stress level among workers.
What Is In-Person Work?
In-person is the traditional type of work, where employees have to physically report to the central office during normal working hours.
This gives more structure and connection for workers—no wonder three out of four employees prefer this working arrangement.
Nonetheless, an in-person work setup may or may not be advantageous, depending on how workers handle their responsibilities.
In general, here are the pros and cons of in-person work arrangements:
Pros Of In-Person Work
- In-person provides employee growth, as they build networks and learn from their colleagues.
- The absence of physical boundaries between work and home leads employees to work extra hours, but with in-person, employees can separate work and life better.
- Employees feel less lonely, so this setup increases their sense of belonging and purpose.
Cons Of In-Person Work
- Commuting to work takes time, so this work arrangement doesn’t provide much flexibility.
- The spending of employees is higher, as opposed to working remotely.
- Employees are prone to illness since germs and viruses spread fast at work, causing absenteeism or poor-quality work.
- Without much time flexibility, in-person can increase the pressure and stress on employees.
Remote Work Vs. In-Person Work: Wrap Up
Looking at the pros and cons of remote work and in-person, we can say that remote work is a more convenient option. However, depending on a person’s preference, he may do better and work efficiently in an in-person work setup.
