While studies have found that remote work is actually healthier on the physical and mental state of employees, not everyone is keen on the new working culture. No, it’s not because of all the new tech-savvy real time computer monitoring software that makes remote work less appealing to them, but rather, the fact that remote work is isolating and may be damaging to their mental health in the long run. Some people are just not cut out to work in front of a computer all day long and may find their happiness as part of the service crew.
Others thrive on direct interpersonal interactions that a physical workspace offers. The camaraderie, spontaneous brainstorming sessions, or even simple coffee breaks with colleagues can be immensely rejuvenating. For such individuals, the energy and dynamics of an office environment are irreplaceable. Remote work might offer flexibility, but it can’t replicate the social fabric of traditional workplaces, which many deem crucial for their well-being and job satisfaction.
Working from home is disconnecting
The lack of structure has proven to be detrimental to some, whereby they feel cut off from the rest of the world and are unsure of themselves. Are they doing too much or too little? Without peers around them to provide them with visual feedback on how busy they should be, it can be disconcerting for those who lack confidence or awareness on how much they should be doing. For even more who lack the self discipline or motivation to work independently, they might fall into a slump whereby they don’t get anything done at all – giving them more reason to prefer the office than staying at home and doing less than they could at the office.
Moreover, the physical distinction between “work” and “home” can be a vital mental cue for many. The act of commuting, changing attire, and entering a dedicated workspace can psychologically prime individuals for productivity. At home, without these cues, the lines blur, leading to potential inertia, distraction, or even feelings of being overwhelmed. Hence, for some, the traditional office setup provides a clearer framework for their day-to-day tasks and responsibilities.
More opportunities exist in the office
To those individuals who do not like slugging away behind a screen, being in the office provides them with better opportunities. During a recent survey, only 40% of respondents believed that office-based staff and home-based staff are treated equally. As someone who works remotely for a company of people that they never meet, it would be natural to assume that those that are working together physically, are closer by nature. They see each other more often, are given more opportunities to bond, and would have a more personal relationship rather than the full timer that lives in a different timezone.
This perceived proximity often translates to better collaboration, clearer communication, and fewer misunderstandings. In-office employees also have the advantage of being privy to informal discussions, chance meetings, and spontaneous brainstorming sessions – invaluable moments that remote workers might miss out on. These unplanned interactions can sometimes lead to major breakthroughs or provide insights that virtual meetings might not capture, potentially putting remote workers at a disadvantage.
Home is for relaxing
There are those that absolutely hate taking work home at the end of the day because they view their homes as a safe haven, a personal and intimate space where they do not have to worry about the outside world – work included. For those types of people, remote working is an infringement on their personal freedom and they would rather have a clear separation between the two worlds that they belong to. An office – where they can leave the worries of their home life behind and focus only on professional work; at home – where they are able to unwind from the stresses of work and have room to breathe.
This distinct division allows them to mentally compartmentalize their responsibilities, making it easier to manage stress and maintain a healthy work-life balance. Blurring these boundaries can lead to feelings of being perpetually “on call,” making relaxation and disconnection from work more challenging, and potentially affecting overall well-being.
It’s essential that businesses recognize this diversity in preference and work style to create more inclusive workspaces. Companies can offer hybrid models, allowing employees to choose their optimal mix of office and remote work. By being adaptable, businesses not only cater to a wider range of talent but also promote a culture that values individual well-being and autonomy. Ultimately, the goal should be to facilitate environments where every individual can be at their productive best, irrespective of where they choose to work from.
At the end of the day, people are all just wired differently and while many may thrive under remote working environments, there are also people who would wilt under the same circumstances. For that reason, remote work may become the norm, it may even become the majority, but it is and will always be just another option for those who are looking for a job.
