Return to Work Planning

The Great Debate Between Home and Office

As the world continues to navigate the ever-evolving landscape of work, return to work trends have become a subject of considerable discussion. One of the more interesting discussions revolve around the choice between working from home or returning to the traditional office environment.

I work from a co-work space and have done so for several years. In fact, during lockdown days, I was still able to work from the office, thankfully. I much prefer to work from the office where I have everything setup and can focus on the task at hand, without distraction.

In this article, I’ll explore the advantages and disadvantages of each approach and explore why it can be beneficial for companies to have team members on-site. I’ll also look at how employees can benefit from working in an office environment, and how return to work planning can provide access to a wide range of resources beyond their professional responsibilities.

Working from Home: Embracing Flexibility

The COVID-19 pandemic propelled the concept of remote work into the mainstream, and many employees experienced the benefits of working from home firsthand.

When I first started my business back in 2015, I worked from cafes, libraries and also from home, so I already had this experience. Personally, I’m much more productive working from an office environment, although I’d already experimented with what worked for me and found my groove. Workers new to working from home probably loved the change and newly found freedom that commuting down your hallway to your spare room or dining table offered.

The advantages of remote work include:

• Increased flexibility. Working from home allows individuals to have greater control over their schedules, accommodating personal responsibilities and creating a better work-life balance.
• Commute-free lifestyle. Without the daily commute, employees can save time, reduce stress, and even contribute to environmental sustainability.
• Comfort and customization. Remote work enables employees to create a personalised and comfortable workspace, tailored to their preferences and needs.
• Geographic freedom. Working remotely opens up opportunities for employees to work from anywhere, eliminating geographical limitations and potentially tapping into diverse talent pools.

The Office is A Hub of Collaboration

While working from home offers undeniable advantages, the office environment continues to hold its own unique appeal. Here are some advantages of working from the office or a co-work space:

• Collaborative synergy. Face-to-face interactions foster teamwork, creative brainstorming, and efficient problem-solving. The office environment promotes spontaneous collaboration and strengthens social bonds among team members.
• Company culture and identity. The office serves as a physical representation of a company’s values, mission, and culture. It provides a shared space where employees can develop a sense of belonging and purpose.
• Professional development and mentorship. Being physically present in the office facilitates mentorship opportunities, skill sharing, and knowledge transfer from seasoned professionals to newer team members.

In fact I now make money working from the office. That is, I have clients within the co-work space (Hub) who I provide SEO services to. I met them through meetups, events and by having chats around the coffee machine.

This was a real paradigm shift for me. Previously I saw the office as an expense – I’d pay rent to work from the space, and service my external clients.

Now, I see it as an investment, as I’m able to network and drum up business in a way that I wouldn’t be able to if I was working from home.

What About Mental Health and Team Bonding?

Working in an office with a team can have significant mental health benefits. It provides social interaction, a sense of belonging, and emotional support from colleagues, reducing feelings of isolation and promoting overall well-being. Mental health is a crucial element to include in your return to work planning.

Collaboration and shared experiences in a team environment can also boost motivation and job satisfaction.

The American Psychiatric Association conducted the online survey of 1,000 remote workers between March 26 and April 5, 2021. The majority of employees working from home say they experienced negative mental health impacts, including isolation, loneliness and difficulty getting away from work at the end of the day.

Access to quality health care and support services are a significant benefit that comes with working within the collaborative office environment and as part of a larger team.

Support your team members with access to resources beyond work-related tasks, including access to gyms, executive medical health services, and coaching services, which all help to promote overall employee well-being.

In fact, according to leading occupational health and testing company Assist Group: “Preventative health care is a powerful tool, which can be used to identify risk factors before they lead to serious medical problems.”

Why Having Team Members On-Site is Beneficial for Companies

While remote work has its advantages, having team members on-site offers numerous benefits for companies:

• Enhanced communication and teamwork. In-person interactions facilitate clear communication, reducing the potential for misinterpretation or miscommunication that can arise in virtual settings.
• Strengthened company culture. The office environment cultivates a sense of shared purpose, camaraderie, and teamwork, reinforcing the company’s values and vision.
• Mentorship and talent development. Physical proximity enables experienced employees to mentor and guide newer team members, accelerating their professional growth and knowledge acquisition.
• Innovation and creativity. Collaborative spaces in the office spark creativity and innovation through impromptu discussions, brainstorming sessions, and cross-departmental collaboration.

How Employees Benefit from Working in the Office

Beyond the professional advantages, employees can reap personal benefits from being physically present in the office:

• Access to specialised resources. Offices often provide additional amenities like fitness centres, medical testing facilities, and coaching services that contribute to employees’ physical and mental well-being.
• Networking opportunities. The office environment naturally facilitates networking and building relationships with colleagues, which can lead to professional growth and potential career advancements.
• Work-life boundaries. Working from the office helps establish a clear distinction between work and personal life, reducing the risk of burnout and promoting a healthier work-life balance.

Return to Work Planning – It Make Good Business Sense

As return to work trends continue to evolve, the choice between working from home and returning to the office remains a topic of debate.

While remote work offers flexibility and convenience, the office environment fosters collaboration, company culture, and access to a range of resources.

Striking a balance between the two approaches might be the key to maximising productivity, employee satisfaction, and overall success for both companies and individuals.

Marshall Thurlow

Marshall Thurlow is Director and Founder of Orion Marketing Pty Ltd. He is a digital marketer with expertise in SEO, website design, content marketing and project management. With over 15 years of experience spanning government, not-for-profit and the private sector, he is well equipped to lead teams to success. He is a big proponent of environmental sustainability, critical thinking and progressive issues.